The Senate today completed action on a constitutional amendment aimed at severely limiting the ability to put popular initiatives on the election ballot.

It passed 25-10, with nine Democrats and one Republican, Sen. Jonathan Dismang voting no.

Advertisement

It was a joke to hear Sen. Mat Pitsch (R-Fort Smith), speaking essentially for the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, claim this amendment is needed to protect the people and the Constitution from special interests. As you know by now, for example, the people overwhelmingly approved a minimum wage increase that reached the ballot by initiative. The Chamber of Commerce hates it and doesn’t want that to happen again.  The legislature even tried to undo the measure approved in November, but some normal chamber stooges were reluctant to move that quickly to show their true colors and contributed to defeat the effort.

Sen. Will Bond noted that the amendment makes signature requirements from counties far tougher (minimum signature threshholds in 45 counties, rather than 15) and leaves the ballot open only to those with large pocketbooks. Pitsch claimed the petition remained available.

Advertisement

The Constitution has been amended far more often by measures placed on the ballot by the legislature. The legislature still may propose three every two years. They invariably serve the wishes of the corporate lobby.

HJR 1008 goes on the ballot with a half-cent sales tax increase to pay highway contractors and a dishonest term limits amendment that preserves and even extends the number of years current legislators may serve.

Advertisement

Be a part of something bigger

As a reader of the Arkansas Times, you know we’re dedicated to bringing you tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, we've been fighting the good fight in Little Rock and beyond – with your support, we can do even more. By becoming a subscriber or donating as little as $1 to our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage and continue to bring important stories to light. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, it's clear that our readers value our great journalism. Join us in the fight for truth.

Previous article Monday: The final days open line Next article Speaking of petition killers: Senate beats one