Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Here’s one you may not have learned in social studies class: an Article V “convention of states.”
The idea, say supporters, is to allow state legislatures to propose constitutional amendments. Topics could include fiscal restraint or congressional term limits. Kansas recently became the twentieth state of the 34 necessary to enable an Article V convention.
“If Washington will not correct itself, the states must. A convention of states is the constitutional remedy that the framers gave us for a federal government that has grown beyond its bounds,” said State Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville). “This is about restoring balance, restoring accountability, and restoring the Republic.”
“If we are right to worry that runaway student debt will limit our son’s future,” said State Rep. Regan Deering (pictured) (R-Decatur), “won’t runaway federal spending limit every young person’s future?”
While organizers say the movement is bipartisan, only one of the 21 Illinois legislators they said support identifies as a Democrat: State Rep. Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights).
