TALKING POINTS for Pennsylvania Convention of States (COS) Resolution

The Convention of States is more than a big solution - it's a constitutional solution. 

·        The federal government is out of control.  It is spending money and creating debt that our children and grandchildren will have to deal with by paying crushing levels of tax. Federal regulations are destroying huge portions of the economy, making it very difficult for young families to make ends meet. All 3 branches of the federal government usurp the Constitution, and no longer recognize any limitations on federal actions as set forth by the Framers and ratified by the original 13 states. Entitlement spending is increasing at a geometric rate, and at some point in the near future, it will be too late to take any action that will avert a social and fiscal collapse.

·        Fortunately, the Framers gave the citizens, through their state legislatures, the ability to amend the U.S. Constitution independent of any legislative action by the federal government.  This language is contained in Article V of the Constitution, and was included to address a situation where the federal government has become too tyrannical to fix itself.

·        At least thirty-four states must apply to Congress for a convention of the states per Article V in order for a convention to be called.  Delegates from the states would meet and discuss amendments referenced by the convention call.  Any amendments adopted in the convention would have to be ratified by at least 3/4ths of the states to become law.

·        In Pennsylvania, Representative Matt Gabler has introduced a resolution (House Resolution 63) calling for a convention of the states.  The resolution lists the topics that would be the agenda for the convention:  amendments intended to reduce the power and scope of the federal government, impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, and impose term limits on federal officials.  All House members are requested to join Rep. Gabler and co-sponsor HR 63.

·        In the PA Senate, Senator John Eichelberger has circulated a co-sponsor memorandum for a resolution calling for a convention of the states for the same topics as HR 63.  All Senate members are requested to join Sen. Eichelberger as co-sponsors of his resolution.