House Joint Resolution 12, co-sponsored by Representatives Randall Pettigrew (R Roswell), John Block (R Alamogordo), and Jimmy Mason (R Artesia), has been introduced in the NM House of Representatives. The Resolution calls for a convention of the states as prescribed in Article V of the U.S. Constitution.

If passed, New Mexico will become the 20th of the required 34 states calling for a convention to propose amendments to “[1] impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, [2] limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and [3] limit the terms of office for its officials and for Members of Congress.”

All states will participate in the convention, and any proposed amendments will be presented for subsequent ratification by at least ¾ (38) of the states.

In a joint statement, the sponsors said, “New Mexico’s families, businesses, and local governments are damaged by an overbearing federal government whose overreach and spending are wildly out of control.  The states have the constitutional power to come together under Article V to address what a feckless “career congress” refuses to face.  It is up to the state legislatures, and we are given the authority to do so. New Mexico’s Constitution requires our state to balance its budgets, and we believe the federal government must be forced to do the same.”

COSNM State Director Myles Culbertson added, “The federal Government’s profligate lack of discipline is reflected in a spiraling national debt exceeding $34 Trillion ( https://www.usdebtclock.org ). Today it equals 122% of the nation’s Gross National Product, accruing interest at the rate of $1 Billion per day.  Before 2030, less than 2 election cycles from now, the national debt will be twice the size of our country’s GNP.  Its economic impact on the American people will be ruinous; however, the state legislatures hold the solution that is as big as this problem, and it is time to exercise that authority.”

For more information, go to https://conventionofstates.com