The hype hasn’t been the same as for the U.S. Senate race or the host of local elections, but a dozen state constitutional amendments also are on the ballot in today’s election.
The most heavily debated amendment is the Stelly tax swap plan that would abolish temporary sales taxes on food and utilities and increase the income tax.
But there are 11 other amendments to the state Constitution awaiting voters’ decisions today.
“It’s not a record, but it is a fairly heavy workload,” said Jim Brandt, president of the Public Affairs Research Council, a government watchdog group.
Topics range from budget cuts and legislative sessions to stock investments and qualifications for the coroner’s office in Livingston Parish.
The first amendment on the ballot would let lawmakers deal with some general issues during legislative fiscal-only sessions.
Supporters say the measure would cut down on special sessions, which cost the state about $30,000 per day, and would make the legislative process more efficient.
Opponents say the current system keeps the number of pointless bills down and keeps legislators focused on budget issues in fiscal sessions.
Brandt told the Press Club of Baton Rouge on Oct. 14 that two sets of amendments show inconsistencies.
The eighth amendment on the ballot would allow universities to invest in stocks, and the ninth amendment would let the state invest part of a Medicaid trust fund for the elderly in stocks.
While the idea is the same, one amendment lets the universities invest up to 50 percent
in stocks, while only 35
percent of the trust fund could be invested in stocks, Brandt said.
“Don’t ever accuse the Legislature of being consistent at all times,” he said, pointing to the third and sixth amendments on the ballot.
The sixth amendment would make the $300 monthly supplement the state gives to local police officers and firefighters to boost their pay untouchable in times of budget cuts.
At the same time, the third amendment would let portions of Louisiana’s budget normally immune to slashing be open to cuts when Louisiana faces a budget deficit.
“What happens if they both pass? Who knows?” Brandt said.
Brandt said the final amendment on the ballot shows the ultimate self-interest. It would let an incumbent coroner in Livingston Parish who is not a medical doctor run for re-election even if a medical doctor qualifies for the position.
“This would affect only one person in one parish, but everybody in the state will vote on it,” Brandt said.