Joe Mapes: Explaining Amendment 1

By Joe Mapes

Louisiana Farm Bureau Legislative Specialist

A friend called me today and asked me to explain constitutional amendment number one being voted on at Louisiana’s polls on November 5th. She also wanted to know if I thought it was OK for her to vote for the amendment. I couldn’t get back with her right away, so she sent me this text: 

“I guess my big question is. Will I have to pay any more money 💰. Big girl is tapped out!”

Constitutional amendment number one is the only amendment on the ballot this November. Until recently, deciphering a constitutional amendment at the polls in Louisiana was like reading hieroglyphics. However, recent changes in our laws mandate the state make the explanations of the amendments much more clear and easier to understand for the voting public. They’ve done a great job, but many people still don’t know how the issues they’re voting on affect them.

Most people do trust the legislative process for its part in sending constitutional amendments to the polls for a vote. But most people also know there are potential unintended consequences in life. The interesting take away here is that regardless of the intent of the constitutional amendment, my friend’s primary concern was whether she would have to pay more (for anything) on a daily basis. 

The net effect that government has on our lives through taxes, fees, fines, and penalties is front of mind these days, But there are some people who say none of this is their concern because they own everything, like their house and their land. This truth only holds for such people as long as they continue to pay their taxes to the government on everything that they think they “own.” If they don’t pay their taxes, the government will come and seize their home and their land. Thus, we don’t really own anything, but I digress.

This brings us back to my friend’s concern about paying more money out of her pocket if another new rule, law, or regulation is put in place by the government. Even though it was clear to her what amendment one does, my friend suspected that “the devil might be in the details.” This doesn’t only mean that something could have unintended consequences. It also means that something could be hidden and buried inside the amendment that looks like something harmless and that could even be good for the state. 

The good news here is that my friend is still willing to participate in the voting process, even if she is somewhat suspicious of it. There’s an old saying that people get the government they deserve. This means that If voters participate, they usually get their desired results at the polls. If voters don’t participate, they are guaranteed to get bad results every single time. 

In the end, I explained constitutional amendment one to my friend, stating that the amendment would dedicate monies created from Louisiana’s green energy industry to Louisiana’s coastal restoration fund and efforts. Otherwise, the money would be sent to Louisiana’s state general fund, and the governor and the legislature could spend it on whatever they wanted. In addition, I told my friend that it was OK to vote for the amendment and it was actually a good thing for Louisiana and its citizens…This time. 

Next time, if she doesn’t research the issue, like she did this time, she might be on the menu and not at the table. She wouldn’t even know it until it was too late. This time, however, she can vote on November 5th with confidence, and you should do the same. Do your research, and go vote on November 5th. It’s important!