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Florida legislators apparently believe the voters are stupid. Once elected, lawmakers' allegiance to special interests blinds them to the right of regular Joes to change their own Constitution. Floridians already are unable to initiate laws through the ballot box, a right enjoyed by the people of 19 other more forward-looking states. That, and the long-standing refusal of the Statehouse to act on many issues important to average citizens, leaves them with just one course to take: Try to amend the Florida Constitution through citizens' initiative. The Legislature's response? It's trying its best to tie up, slap down, and choke off the power of the people. Already, lawmakers have a requirement set for the November ballot that makes it much harder for citizens to get an amendment passed. Instead of the simple 50-percent plus one majority that has long defined democracy, any change proposed by the people will have to garner a much tougher 60 percent. If that had been in effect in recent years, Floridians would not have been able to force an end to classroom overcrowding, set up a universal voluntary pre-kindergarten, ban smoking inside restaurants or require a minimum-wage increase. In a shameless display of hypocrisy, the same Legislature that's so busy closing the door on the public passes plenty of amendments itself. For instance, lawmakers introduce about 50 constitutional amendments per year. They've put 61 into the Constitution, compared with 23 amendments added through citizens' initiatives. Even Sen. Alex Villalobos, R-Miami, protesting the Legislature's pro-voucher amendment that would have undermined public school funding, said the Legislature is amending the Constitution so much it's going to be "thick as a phone book." For taking that rightful position, he was fired Monday from his post as Senate Majority Leader. Worse for the public, the 60-percent requirement is just one way lawmakers want to drown out the voice of the ordinary person. This session alone, bills have been introduced to: Raise the threshold to 66 percent for voter approval of initiatives that have even a minuscule impact on the state budget. Lay heavier restrictions on the already difficult and expensive gathering of petition signatures needed to get an amendment on the ballot. Move amendments that already have been approved by voters out of the Constitution and into the lawbooks, making it possible for lawmakers to weaken or kill them. Such proposals "represent a huge abuse of power," says Ben Wilcox of Common Cause. Whether they pass or not in the Legislative session ending Friday, they'll be back. Lawmakers are "trying to take away the power of the people to send a message to Tallahassee, so they can serve special interests" and not the public good, Wilson says. That's the ultimate insult to the democratic process. There should be no place in this state for lawmakers who want to muzzle the power of the people Lay heavier restrictions on the already difficult and expensive gathering of petition signatures needed to get an amendment on the ballot. Move amendments that already have been approved by voters out of the Constitution and into the lawbooks, making it possible for lawmakers to weaken or kill them. Such proposals "represent a huge abuse of power," says Ben Wilcox of Common Cause. Whether they pass or not in the Legislative session ending Friday, they'll be back. Lawmakers are "trying to take away the power of the people to send a message to Tallahassee, so they can serve special interests" and not the public good, Wilson says. That's the ultimate insult to the democratic process. There should be no place in this state for lawmakers who want to muzzle the power of the people Move amendments that already have been approved by voters out of the Constitution and into the lawbooks, making it possible for lawmakers to weaken or kill them. Such proposals "represent a huge abuse of power," says Ben Wilcox of Common Cause. Whether they pass or not in the Legislative session ending Friday, they'll be back. Lawmakers are "trying to take away the power of the people to send a message to Tallahassee, so they can serve special interests" and not the public good, Wilson says. That's the ultimate insult to the democratic process. There should be no place in this state for lawmakers who want to muzzle the power of the people .http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060503/OPINION/605030353/1004
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Soap Box 