| For Immediate Release | For more information contact: |
| March 24, 1999 | Jon Peterson (651-296-5989) |
(ST. PAUL) The Minnesota House of Representatives has passed a bill which would give citizens the right to enact or repeal a law directly through the ballot process, without approval by the Legislature. The initiative and referendum bill, House File 484, passed 77-51.
"Today's vote was another example of House Republicans placing their faith in the will of the people," said State Representative Rich Stanek (R-Maple Grove), who voted for the measure. "We recognize that there are times when political pressures keep elected officials from acting the way their constituents would like. In those times, the people should be able to take their concerns directly to their neighbors and let the democratic process rule."
Under House File 484, five percent of the voters in any six of Minnesota's eight congressional districts would be required to sign a petition to get a proposal on the general election ballot. Eight percent of the voters in any six of the congressional districts would be required to authorize an amendment to the constitution be placed on the ballot. Laws could be enacted or repealed if they were approved by a simple majority. Constitutional amendments would pass only if a majority of those voting in the entire election approved the measure (therefore, not voting on the question would be considered a "no" vote). The laws could not be vetoed by the governor and would take effect 30 days after passage.
"This process of initiative and referendum has been around in this country for over 100 years and is currently in effect in 27 states," explained Rep. Stanek. "We've come close several times in the past to approving its use in Minnesota, and I hope that it will finally succeed on the 2000 ballot. In a time when people are losing faith with government, it's an important tool to get them reconnected with lawmaking."
House File 484 now moves to the State Senate for its approval. If the Senate passes the bill, it would be placed on the 2000 general election ballot in the form of the following question: "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to provide for initiative and referendum?"
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