We encourage our readers to vote “No” on the constitutional amendment on the November 5th ballot.
It’s a simply reason: Every program and project should not be in the constitution; that’s it plain and simple.
The amendment is about dedicating federal revenues from offshore alternative energy production to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund.
Louisiana’s constitution, ratified in 1974, has become bloated with 216 amendments approved over the past 50 years. By comparison, the U.S. Constitution only has 27 amendments, and one of those repeals another, so we have actually only had 26 amendments since 1789.
The proposed amendment would mandate that the state deposit federal funds received from Outer Continental Shelf alternative or renewable energy production into the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund.
Currently, this money flows into the state general fund, where it can be allocated by the legislature as needed.
While coastal protection is undoubtedly important for Louisiana, enshrining this specific funding allocation in the constitution is unnecessary and counterproductive.
The legislature already has the power to make this allocation through regular lawmaking processes. By adding it to the constitution, we’re further restricting the flexibility of future lawmakers to address changing needs and priorities.
Moreover, this amendment contributes to making our constitution even more difficult for average citizens to read and understand.
A state constitution should outline the basic structure and principles of government, not serve as a detailed policy manual.
The goals of this amendment, however well-intentioned, could and should be achieved through legislative action. By continually amending our constitution for matters that could be addressed through normal legislative channels, we’re undermining the very purpose of having a constitution in the first place.
As voters, we should consider whether every policy decision needs constitutional protection.
In this case, the answer is clearly no.
It’s time for Louisiana to break this cycle of constant constitutional amendments and return to a more streamlined, accessible document that truly serves its intended purpose.
