State legislators from around U.S. may ask for constitutional convention | jacksonville.com

ATLANTA – Tired of congressional gridlock and federal deficits, legislators across the country are looking to flex their own muscles to bring change. Monday an overflow crowd of them met to discuss how.

The session, during a four-day conference hosted by the National Council of State Legislatures, gave lawmakers the chance to share their frustrations.

“States rights have never been at a lower ebb in this country, and it’s time to do something about it,” said David Long, president of the Indiana Senate.

The U.S. Constitution doesn’t give states authority to directly alter the way the federal government works, but it does empower them to call for a constitutional convention. If enough request one, Congress is required by the Constitution’s Article V to set it up.

Several petitions are pending on various topics like requiring a balanced budget or allowing Congress to veto government regulations, waiting for the required 34 states to pass them. In Georgia, the Senate passed a resolution calling for a balanced-budget convention which is awaiting action by the House next year.

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