Term limits, Convention of States resolution introduced into Vermont House
By Guy Page
A resolution seeking Vermont participation in a Convention of States to “impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress” was introduced into the Vermont House January 31.
Joint House Resolution J.H.R. 1, was sponsored by Rep. Mark Higley (R-Lowell) and co-sponsored by Republican Reps. Tom Burditt (Rutland Town), Larry Labor (Morgan), and Charles Wilson (Lyndon).
It was sent to the Government Ops & Military Affairs Committee, of which Higley is the Ranking Member (lead representative of the minority party). If approved by Gov Ops, it will be returned to the full House to face a vote of the entire body. If passed by the House, the resolution would then be sent to the Senate.
Article V of the U.S. Constitution gives states the power to call a Convention of States to propose amendments. It takes 34 states to call the convention and 38 to ratify any amendments that are proposed. According to a map on conventionofstates.com, 19 state legislatures have called for a COS, and seven others (including neighboring New Hampshire) have passed a COS resolution in at least one chamber.
Three high-profile candidates in the 2022 election have assumed roles in the Vermont COS leadership team.
Gerald Malloy has committed to be the Veterans Coalitions Director. As a graduate of West Point and with over 22 years in active duty around the world with the U.S. Army, Gerald has faithfully and honorably served his country. The VCD role is to recruit, welcome, and inform U.S. Military Veterans in Vermont about an Article V convention.
Vicki Strong has agreed to be the Legislative Liaison. After 12 years in the Vermont House of Representatives, her district was redrawn this last election and the results were not in her favor. During those years of service to Vermont, through her consistent voice of compassion and reason, Strong built lasting relationships with members of our legislature.
Ericka Redic has volunteered to be the Vermont State Videographer. Ericka has her own podcast called “Generally Irritable” where she engages Vermonters on sociopolitical topics. Her goal is to dig through the rhetoric and search for the truth on serious topics, in a thought-provoking and often-humorous way.
The fifth season of “Generally Irritable” will be kicked off with a discussion about the Convention of States movement in Vermont with Legislative Liaison, Vicki Strong. You can watch it live this Friday, February 3 at noon, or at your convenience on any of these platforms: Rumble, YouTube or Facebook.
If you’re looking for more information or wish to become a member of this grassroots effort, the COS petition can be signed at conventionofstates.com. There’s also a box to check for people who wish to volunteer, state coordinator Jason Herron of Guilford said.