Plenty to consider this November

Plenty to consider this November

Our Arkansas constitution encompasses the core values at the time when it was adopted, but the framers have provided ways for revisions recognizing that such tenets may change over time. Those revisions come in the form of amendments.

According to the Arkansas Constitution, either branch of the General Assembly, may propose amendments during a regular session.

Proposed amendments that receive a majority vote in both chambers will appear on the ballot in the next general election for Senators and Representatives.

Arkansas is one of 35 states where the legislation proposing a constitutional amendment is adopted by the legislature during only one session. Twelve states require two legislative sessions.

Arkansas is the only state that limits the number to 3.

During the Regular Session of 2015, the 90th General Assembly voted to put forth three amendments on the upcoming November ballot.

The first issue you will see on the ballot is House Joint Resolution1027. This would increase the terms of most county elected officials from 2 year terms to 4 year terms. Those offices would include county judge, sheriff, circuit clerk, assessor, coroner, treasurer, county surveyor, and collector of taxes.

If this amendment is passed those county officials elected in 2016 would still serve a two year term. They would be elected to 4 year terms on the 2018 ballot.

Issue number 2 addresses the power of our Governor when he or she travels out of state.

Currently our laws require that the Lt.

Governor lead our state when the Governor is not physically in Arkansas.

Issue 2 would allow the Governor to retain his or her duties and powers when travelling. The provision for the Lt.

Governor to assume the office in the event of death or impeachment of the Governor would remain in effect.

Issue 3 on the ballot is a measure designed to spur economic growth. It would remove the limitation on the principal amount of general obligation bonds that may be issued under Amendment 82 of the Arkansas Constitution to attract large economic development projects. You may recall we used Amendment 82 in an effort to bring Big River Steel to Arkansas. Issue 3 also authorizes a municipality to obtain or appropriate money for any corporation, association, institution, or individual to finance economic development projects and to provide economic development services.

There will likely be citizen initiatives on the November ballot as well. I encourage all of you to study each one carefully before heading to the polls.

From State Representative Deborah Ferguson