newjerseynewsroom.com

Handlin, Webber introduce resolution in lower house

Assemblywoman Amy Handlin, R-Monmouth, and Assemblyman Jay Webber, R-Morris and Passaic,

Two Republican Assembly members have introduced a resolution (ACR-170) urging Congress to convene an amendment convention in order to consider a proposal that permits the repeal of any federal law or regulation if approved by a two-thirds vote of state Legislatures.

Assemblywoman Amy Handlin (R-Monmouth) and Assemblyman (R-Morris) said Wednesday that recent polls indicate that 83 percent of Americans believe the size of the federal budget deficit is due to the unwillingness of those in Washington to cut government spending. They said the amendment would enable people to rescind poor public policies that take more out their pockets.

"Support for the Repeal Amendment is analogous to the concept of Initiative and Referendum," Handlin said. "Citizens deserve a direct say in government at all levels. The Repeal Amendment gives Americans the power to fight back against bad laws and bad lawmakers."

Eleven states have shown support for the amendment which, if passed by Congress, would give two-thirds of the states the power to annul any federal law or regulation. Handlin and Webber said the amendment would not facilitate an expedited process in overturning a law given the super-majority requirement and federal lawmakers will have the opportunity to address such issues prior to a constitutional challenge.

"Federalism and checks & balances were essential principles for our founders, and those constitutional values should remain protected today," Webber said. "The Repeal Amendment represents a constitutional check, through state citizens and supermajorities of their state Legislatures, on instances of federal government overreach. I encourage my colleagues in the Legislature to support New Jersey's contribution to a nationwide effort to maintain a balance of power between the federal and state governments."

— TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM