The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana is releasing its “Guide to the 2011 Constitutional Amendments” for the upcoming ballots on Oct. 22 and Nov. 19. The guide explains the potential impact of the six constitutional amendments that the public will consider in the upcoming elections. The analysis is meant to help voters understand the issues and the potential changes so they may develop their own positions on each proposition.
The propositions on the ballot raise questions about how Louisiana organizes and manages the state budget. Issues addressed include changes to rules for paying back money withdrawn from the “rainy day” Budget Stabilization Fund, a new dedication to fund TOPS, and a plan for paying down state retirement system debt. The single proposition for the November election concerns a significant restriction on taxing authority.
The guide gives background for each amendment, describes the current situation regarding the issues, offers commentary on each proposed change, and provides the arguments of proponents and opponents. Excluding the proposals to be considered this year, Louisiana voters have considered 233 amendments and approved 163 of them since the 1974 constitution was adopted. A complete list with explanations of all amendments that have been proposed and adopted since 1974 can be seen on the PAR website here.
See the 2011 guide here.
