Parson ready to sign bill creating new congressional map

The line through Columbia splits the northern part into District 4 and the southern part into District 3.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Gov. Mike Parson said Friday that he's ready to sign a bill authorizing a new congressional map once it hits his desk.

The Missouri Senate approved a new map of Missouri's congressional districts late Thursday. The House had already approved the map.

Sen. Caleb Rowden (R -Columbia) says, "We had told them that. We were we were gonna get them done that we thought that was important. And you know, clearly we've been working with them hand in hand for the last few months."

Sen. John Rizzo (D - Independence) said, "It was time and anybody that watched the Senate this year knew that, that it was time.

The map preserves the status quo of seven Republican-leaning districts and two Democratic-leaning districts. The Senate approved the map on the next to last day of the legislative session after delays primarily caused by conservative Republicans who wanted a map that swung the balance more in the GOP's favor.

Among the changes to the new map is splitting Columbia and Boone County into two different districts -- the Fourth and the Third.

"So you know, no one's happy. Boone county is split," said Rowden.

VIDEO: Republican and Democratic House leaders hold news conference after adjournment

The bill won't be printed and sent to Parson until May 18. However, the governor said in a statement that his office is already reviewing the new map so he can sign the bill immediately.

The delay has caused worries for election officials who have to prepare for voting in the state's August primary.

Boone County Clerk Brianna Lennon says, "So the biggest thing that's gonna change for voters is really what's on the ballot. So they're not gonna have huge changes to the process in terms of you know polling locations and things like that. That will all be very much the same."

VIDEO: Missouri House adjourns