Monthly Archive for Connecticut
Connecticut Stories Posted in July 2008
Group Seeks to Win Right to Petition
Category: Initiative and Referendum · State: Connecticut · Source: Connecticut Post
Connecticut's form of government should be changed to allow direct referendum and initiative similar to California, according to a new group that's pushing for the first constitutional convention since 1965. The Constitution Convention Campaign, during a news conference Thursday attended by several members of the General Assembly, wants Connecticut to vote "yes" this fall to the statewide ballot question "Shall the state Constitution be revised or amended?" It would be a first step toward possibly persuading lawmakers to adopt referendum and initiative, to allow voters to petition for new laws on everything from capping local property tax rates to prohibiting gay marriage, or even legalizing the medical use of marijuana. In reaction to the announcement, a leading Democratic lawmaker said Thursday that the agenda for a convention would be dictated by the General Assembly, and he doesn't believe Connecticut needs a complete rewriting of its constitution.
Opinion: Why Voters Shouldn't Pass Laws
Category: Opinion · State: Connecticut · Source: Hartford Courant
Ardent special-interest groups are pushing to have the right of initiative written into the Connecticut Constitution — a formula for ill-conceived lawmaking that would wrest important policy considerations away from elected officials. The right of initiative is the right of citizens to propose laws or constitutional amendments that, if approved by a majority vote, have the force of law. Pressure for such a change in our constitution is rising because, in November, Connecticut citizens will vote on the question, "Shall there be a Constitution Convention to amend or revise the Constitution of the State?" The constitution requires such a vote every 20 years. A number of groups, The Connecticut Taxpayers Association among them, are seeking an affirmative vote on the question, which would open the constitution up for a right of initiative amendment.
Other Monthly Archives for Connecticut
- July 2008 (2)