Con-Con Status Update
by Peter Rykowski, Research Associate and Bulletin Editor
Legislative sessions in most states have wrapped up for the year. Considering the threat an Article V constitutional convention, or Con-Con, poses to the Constitution and our liberty, it is important to monitor the outcome of this year’s Con-Con resolutions.
Unfortunately, several states enacted new applications for a Con-Con. For example, Nebraska, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Wisconsin all passed applications following the vague wording pushed by Mark Meckler’s Convention of States (COS). Wisconsin also passed a term-limits Con-Con application, while Missouri enacted a resolution removing an expiration date from its existing term-limits application.
Despite the passage of these resolutions, patriots in the above states — along with those in any other state that has applied for a Con-Con — can still take action. For example, in addition to continuing to educate our state legislators about the dangers of a Con-Con, we must promote rescinding existing applications. Additionally, we must highlight superior solutions to federal-government overreach, including nullification under Article VI of the Constitution.
We also have seen multiple victories against the Con-Con. For example, Illinois rescinded all its existing Con-Con applications in April, while New Jersey and Colorado rescinded all of theirs last year — creating major roadblocks to a Con-Con. Additionally, we are monitoring an attempt in New York to rescind all its Con-Con applications. As of this writing, the state’s Senate Resolution No. 2481 (B2481) has passed the Senate and is pending in the Assembly. If the State Legislature passes this resolution, it will be another victory for the U.S. Constitution.
In other states, proposed Con-Con resolutions were defeated. In Iowa, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wyoming, substantial pushes for a COS Con-Con were defeated — and JBS members’ efforts were key in defeating them. Meanwhile, an attempt in Tennessee to pass a term-limits application, and in Georgia to restore its expired BBA application, failed. Despite these victories, patriots cannot become complacent; legislators could attempt to enact these resolutions next year.
Last, but not least, we are still monitoring some Con-Con resolutions in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Montana will be a major focus next year.
Members in every state — regardless of whether it is listed above — should contact their state legislators to educate them about why a Con-Con threatens the Constitution and the God-given rights it protects. In particular, attend town hall meetings or campaign events where legislators are present, or schedule private meetings with them.
A New Tool
We now have a new tool for our “Stop the Con-Con” action project, the July 11 TNA Special Report “Article V Convention: Will It Work?” Please use it to enhance your educational efforts, both toward your state legislators and fellow citizens. It details the many flaws and dangers of an Article V convention, especially for the purpose of reining in the federal government — and just as importantly, it outlines multiple actual solutions to countering out-of-control government.
Not only this, but the Special Report includes a handy list of short Con-Con talking points you can use to build your confidence when discussing this topic with your legislators or other opinion molders, or when testifying before a committee.
Equipped with these tools — and with the truth — we will win the battle to preserve our Constitution.