Center for American Progress
Washington, D.C. — A new report from the Center for American Progress shows how partisan gerrymandering has prevented states from expanding programs that would provide childcare, education, and other support for families with children.
The report focuses on specific programs that were derailed in Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. In each of these states, gerrymandering and other anti-democratic practices created a major change in the political landscape: Control of state legislatures shifted to conservative lawmakers, which stalled progress on policies important to the well-being of children and families.
“Gerrymandering allows elected officials to ignore the will of the voters,” said Alex Tausanovitch, director of Campaign Finance and Electoral Reform at CAP. “Voters support programs that benefit children, and yet, in these gerrymandered states, a majority of legislators are opposing moves to strengthen services for kids and families. Fixing gerrymandering would help to ensure that the public is faithfully represented.”