What is a Constitutional Convention?
Every 20 years, New Yorkers are given the opportunity to decide whether a convention is needed to amend the New York State Constitution. The last constitutional convention was held in 1967 and cost taxpayers approximately $6.5 million. The last vote for a convention was held in 1967 and 62% of New Yorkers voted no.
Why is this important?
The convention could result either in minor or radical changes. All public employees rely on the state constitution to protect their terms of employment, state pensions and their right to organize and collectively bargain. All of this could be at stake and instead could be decided by a few select political insiders who would meet in Albany and have the ability to amend any part of the New York State Constitution.
What is at stake?
- Protection against reductions in public pension benefits
- Civil Service merit and fitness
- Right of employees to organize and bargain collectively
- Children's right to a quality education
- The right to Workers Compensation
- Judicial organization
- Environmental protections
Can the Constitution be amended without a convention?
Yes. Bills can be passed through the state legislature as questions on the ballot during a general election. Our constitution has been amended over 200 times in this way since 1894.
What can I do?
Talk to your your friends and family about how a constitutional convention could affect them.
Contact your state legislators and tell them there are better ways to make changes in New York.
While we will talk more about a Constitutional Convention in the coming months and throughout 2017, ultimately, we must all say NO to a Constitutional Convention!
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