The Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee discussed a resolution Feb. 1 that would serve as Nebraska\u2019s application for a convention of the states.<\/p>\n
Introduced by Crete Sen. Laura Ebke, LR6 calls for a convention of the states, authorized under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. Congress would be compelled to call a convention of the states if a two-thirds majority \u2014 34 states \u2014 pass identical resolutions.<\/p>\n
Ebke said the convention\u2019s scope would be limited to proposals imposing fiscal restraints on the federal government, making government smaller and implementing term limits for members of Congress and other elected officials.<\/p>\n
She said a simulated convention of the states held in 2016 reassured her that a real convention of the states would produce thoughtful, restrained proposals.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you look at the group assembled, we were largely in favor of the process, but we couldn\u2019t agree on the details of what should be sent out,\u201d Ebke said. \u201cIf anything actually comes out of a proposed convention, it would be something that resembles a consensus rather than any kind of drastic action.\u201d<\/p>\n
The convention would deal only with proposed amendments, which would be sent to the states for ratification. It would require a three-fourths majority \u2014 38 states \u2014 to ratify an amendment to the U.S. Constitution.<\/p>\n
Mark Meckler, president of Citizens for Self-Governance, supported the measure, saying the federal government controls 65 percent of each state\u2019s budget, on average.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen polled, 72 percent of Americans think the federal government is too big and does too much,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019re asking you to stand in the shoes of the founders, to fulfill the obligation they gave you to restrain the federal government when it exceeds its bounds.\u201d<\/p>\n
Plattsmouth resident Steve Riese also testified in support of LR6. He said imposing fiscal restraint on the federal government through a balanced budget constitutional amendment is an issue of national security.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe runaway [federal] debt is a significant and even existential threat to our nation,\u201d Riese said. \u201cThe relationship between our economy and our security is enormous and complex. The weakening of our nation will not happen at a single point, but here and now through unrestrained spending.\u201d<\/p>\n
OpenSky Policy Institute Executive Director Renee Fry opposed the measure. She said federal funds account for nearly 31 percent of the state budget and any limits imposed on that spending could have devastating effects.<\/p>\n
\u201cLR6\u2019s fiscal restraints could cause incredible damage to our state and national well-being,\u201d Fry said, adding that a loss of federal funding for programs like K-12 education likely would increase property taxes for Nebraska landowners.<\/p>\n
The committee took no immediate action on the resolution.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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