By Sahar Chmais
State Representative Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood) will continue to represent House District 45 after redistricting map lines were redrawn and approved by the State House.
The House-approved plan places Wimberley and Dripping Springs in District 73, keeps Wimberley ISD students and Dripping Springs ISD students within their respective school districts and keeps Zwiener’s residence in HD 45.
In early October, Zwiener’s residence, Wimberley and Dripping Springs were drawn into HD 73. However, a small portion of the two school districts was placed in HD 45. Some residents fought this version of the map, as they wanted their school districts and homes to remain in one district. The map had placed some Wimberley residents in HD 45 while their Dripping Springs ISD schools were left in HD 73.
There are 150 House Districts in Texas with approximately 200,000 residents designated to each district.
With over 240,000 residents, Hays County has outgrown that limit. Unlike the existing map drawn up after the 2010 Census, where Hays and Blanco counties are in HD 45, Hays County can no longer be contained in one district.
HD 45 will include 201,407 Hays County residents and will be made up of Buda, Kyle, San Marcos and the Austin residents in Hays County.
The redistricting plan still awaits State Senate and Governor approval to pass.
