Growth Means More Seats In House For Texas

Posted by: Nate Berg

21 January 2007 - 5:00am

According to Census data and growth projections, Texas appears to be on track to gain between two and four seats in the U.S. House of Representatives when the seats are reallocated in 2010. The rise in population will also increase federal funding.

"The growth assures Texas a gain of at least two seats, according to recent analyses of Census data by two redistricting-consulting and data-analysis firms."

"Each state's total number of congressional seats matches the number of its votes in the Electoral College, which picks the president after the election."

"Also, the amount of some federal funding to states depends partly on population and the number of congressional seats."

"It will be up to lawmakers in Austin to determine the location of new House districts and boundary lines."

"Political experts suggest that the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth areas would be ripe for gains, having posted the strongest population growth in the state."

Full Story: Census gains could give state more clout

Source: The Houston Chronicle, January 17, 2007