Resolutions Calling for More State Control Over U.S. Constitution Defeated
More than 6,000 state representatives and staff from all
50 states, leaders from non-profit groups, businesses, trade unions
and associations gathered in Philadelphia in August at the annual meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). At CPA’s events at NCSL, including an Action Network meeting, a State Issues Forum on
privatization and CPA participation in an NCSL Women’s Network panel,
legislators met to find common ground on some of the hot issues facing state legislatures.
Saturday’s NCSL business meeting culminated with the defeat of
three proposed resolutions giving states considerable control over changes to the U.S. constitution.
“NCSL endorses federalism but does not believe that the proposed changes are needed at this time,"
said NCSL Immediate Past President Michael Box. "Based on our
previous experience, the courts and the legislative process are currently the best vehicles to use to maintain a proper balance between the federal
government and the states."
Public utility deregulation,
pension reform, welfare reform and telecommunications emerged as key
issues that will appear before many state legislatures in the upcoming sessions.
