Urges U.S. Department of Justice to investigate certain claims handling practices related to Superstorm Sandy flood insurance claims.
Impact
Through these proposed amendments, SCR22 seeks to address concerns regarding federal overspending and loss of public trust in Congress. A balanced budget requirement would limit fiscal irresponsibility by mandating that federal expenses do not exceed revenues. Furthermore, the introduction of term limits could rejuvenate congressional membership, providing fresh perspectives and reducing career politics. The reform of electoral vote allocation aims to align electoral practices with contemporary democratic principles, potentially leading to a more representative governmental structure.
Summary
SCR22 is a Concurrent Resolution from the New Jersey Legislature that requests Congress to convene an Article V Convention of States. The primary focus of this resolution is to propose constitutional amendments aimed at enforcing fiscal accountability within the federal government. Key amendments proposed include requiring a balanced federal budget, establishing term limits for members of Congress and Supreme Court Justices, and altering the method of allocating electoral votes to better reflect the popular vote as practiced in Maine and Nebraska.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR22 appears to be supportive among its sponsors and proponents of the bill, who view it as a necessary intervention to restore fiscal discipline and enhance democratic processes at the federal level. However, the resolution is also likely to attract criticism from those who perceive such moves as undermining the established federal balance or who argue that term limits could hamper effective governance by removing experienced members.
Contention
Notably, the discussion around SCR22 may reveal contention regarding the implications of federalism and state sovereignty. Some lawmakers and political commentators might highlight concerns about whether a Convention of States could lead to unintended consequences or whether it may inadvertently empower more extreme political agendas. Additionally, the effectiveness of requiring a balanced budget at the federal level raises questions about economic flexibility and the implications for federal responses to crises.
Applies to Congress for Article V Convention of States to require balanced federal budget, impose term limits, and revise method of awarding electoral votes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the election of constitutional convention delegates and vote requirements necessary for the adoption of a new constitution (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
(Constitutional Amendment) Modifies disposition of certain state revenues through repeal of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and deposits of certain revenue streams into the Budget Stabilization Fund (RRF INCREASE GF RV See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)
Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.