(it OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR STATE OF MARYLAND o, ?awn-$3 LAR RY OGAN GOVERNOR March 31, 2016 President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Ave, NW Washington DC, 20500 Dear Mr. President, It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to meet with you at the White House last month during the National Governor?s Association winter meeting in Washington DC. I am grateful for the commitment you made at the time to partner with the NGA to review burdensome federal regulations that may create unnecessary obstacles to economic development and job creation. That we can ?nd common ground on this matter gives me hope that I may also be able to count on your support on another issue. On April the Maryland General Assembly?s 2016 legislative session will conclude, and with it Maryland?s best hope to reform what is widely regarded as the worst gerrymandering in the nation could also come to an end. As you said in your most recent State of the Union Address: "We have to end the practice of drawing our congressional districts so that politicians can pick their voters, and not the other way around. Let a bipartisan group do it." On this issue, we are in complete agreement. Last year, my administration assembled a bipartisan task force to study redistricting. After months of work and public comment, the task force recommended that the state establish an independent commission to draw Congressional and legislative districts, eliminating the in?uence of elected of?cials and political parties. Unfortunately, this legislation has stalled in the Maryland General Assembly, and may not even come to the ?oor for a vote. There are only days left in the legislative session, and next year, we may not have as strong an advocate in White House as you have been on this issue. With your intervention, I believe we could set things right in Maryland. Of course, I will continue to ?ght for Marylanders regardless of what happens over the coming days or years. However, with the weight of the White House behind independent redistricting in Maryland, I know we can deliver real change and I am hopeful that you can take action to encourage Maryland?s lawmakers to bring this matter to the ?oor for a vote. STATE HOUSE, ANNAPOLIS. MARYLAND (410) 974-390l ?8336 TTY USERS CALL VIA MD RELAY If there is anything I can do to help you or members of your administration make a case for fair redistricting in Maryland in the days ahead, my administration is at your diSposal. I look forward to any steps you may be able to take and I offer my thanks for your attention to the matter. 8' cerely, arry Hogan Governor of Maryland