Convention of states for proposing an amendment to the United States Constitution: federal balanced budget.
If passed, AJR27 would aggregate with existing applications from other states seeking a similar convention, thereby setting the stage for a formal proposal aimed at restraining federal spending and addressing the escalating national debt. The resolution also asserts that Congress holds a limited role in this process, primarily as a facilitator to call the convention upon receiving the requisite applications from the states. This could redefine the relationship between state and federal powers in the context of fiscal governance.
Assembly Joint Resolution 27 (AJR27), introduced by Assembly Member Mayes, seeks to call for a constitutional convention to propose an amendment to the United States Constitution requiring a federal balanced budget. The resolution reflects a growing concern over the national debt, which exceeds $17 trillion, and emphasizes the importance of fiscal responsibility at the federal level. By invoking Article V of the Constitution, AJR27 aims to gather support from the legislatures of two-thirds of the states in order to initiate this significant step toward constitutional reform.
Opponents of AJR27 might argue that convening a constitutional convention poses risks, such as the potential for unforeseen amendments that could radically alter the Constitution beyond just budgetary concerns. Critics raise alarms about the possibility of a 'runaway convention' where delegates might pursue agendas unrelated to fiscal constraints and may undermine established rights. Proponents, on the other hand, insist that such measures are necessary to ensure accountability in the federal government and to safeguard the economic future of the nation.