Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) about the 2008 referendum on calling a constitutional convention in Illinois

What is the Illinois Constitution?
Illinois has had a constitution since it became a state in 1818. The current constitution was written in 1970 and became effective on July 1, 1971.

What is the purpose of the Illinois Constitution?
The consitution establishes a set of principles and provides a framework that state government uses to guide government decision-making. The constitution also protects fundamental rights of Illinois citizens. It is an overarching document intended be a framework to guide public policy, not dictate the details that are better determined through the lawmaking process.

Why is there a question on the November 4 ballot regarding a constitutional convention? Is there something wrong with our current constitution?
There is nothing wrong with the current constitution; in fact, it is widely regarded as one of the best in the country. However, the current constitution requires that Illinois voters be asked every 20 years whether or not they want a constitutional convention.

How much would a constitutional convention cost?
Based on the cost of the last constitutional convention in 1970, the estimated cost of a convention held today would likely exceed $100 million.

Couldn't we use the $100 million for more important priorities?
Absolutely. That $100 million could increase the education foundation level by $150 per student, provide a school nurse in every school building, or help pay off the debt owed to Illinois pension systems.

What happens if the referendum is approved by the voters?
In 1988, the voters rejected the referendum by a 3-1 margin. If the referendum is approved, the governor and General Assembly will determine how a convention is structured and the time line to be followed. The voters would elect constitutional convention delegates, who would convene for whatever period is required to approve a document. The proposed constitution would then be presented to voters. If citizens vote to ratify, Illinois woudl have a new constitution. If the proposed constitution is voted down, it would most certainly lead to further delay and uncertainty.

What would a constitutional convention do?
It is difficult to say what constiutional convention delegates would do; since they wold not stand for re-election they would not be accountable to the voters or the general public. Delegates coudl conceivably eliminate the current constitutional protection on public employee benefits, making it even more difficult to address the problems facing our state.

How long would it be for a new constitution to be enacted?
The best estimate is 2011. The consideration of a new constitution of a new constitution and the laws (and likely lawsuits) that would accompany such a document would only delay needed action and divert attention from the important issues facing Illinois.

What do the experts say about Illinois' Constitution?
Constitutional law experts have called the 1970 Illinois Constitution "a document that is considered to be one of the most advanced in the country." Experts from other states look to our constitution as a model.

What would a constitutional convention do to my pension?
A constitutional convention could eliminate current constitutional language that no pension benefit can be "diminished or impaired." Eliminating this provision could mean that the formula for current members could be reduced. For example, under the Teachers Retirement System (TRS), for each year of service a member earns 2.2 percent of his/her final rate of earnings. A new constitution could allow future General Assemblies and governors to reduce that percentage for current members. In addition, other changes to the constitution could impair the state's ability to meet its obligations to finally fund these systems adequately.

Don't we need something in the constitution to require funding our pensions?
No. Pension payments are required under current law to be funded automatically at the amount that is certified by the systems.

Don't we need a change in Illinois, and wouldn't a constitutional convention provide the opportunity?
Yes we need change in Illinois, but it is more likely that change would be for the worse given the current policial environment. We should not take that risk. Most problems can be solved without changing our constitution. If the constitution does need to be changed, it can be amended. Since 1971, our constitution has been amended ten times.

How can the current Illinois Constitution be changed?
There are two ways to amend the constitution. First, the General Assembly can approve an amendment and then submit it to the voters for approval. Second, any citizen can propose to amend the legislative article of the Illinois Constitution concerning structural and procedual subjects by collecting the required number of signatures ona petition. The proposed amendment would then be placed on the ballot in the next heneral election. This happenedin 1980 when the size of the Illinois House was reduced to eliminate cumulative voting for state representatives.

Why do some people believe an Illinois constitutional convention is needed?
Most proponents of a Con Con are focused on one issue and are not concerned about the real function of our constitution. They view a convention as an opportunity to puch an agenda they have been unable to achieve through the legislative process.

Who opposes a constitutional convention?
The Alliance to Protect the Illinois Constitution (APIC) is a broad cross-section of citizens and organizations, including educators, farmers, workers and small business owners. Citizens of every political stripe -- Democrats, Republicans, and Independents -- are working together in APIC to preserve our constitution.

What can I do as a member of IFT?
Visit the IFT website, www.ift-aft.org, where a link to the No on Con Con section has been posted to the home page. You will find updates, information you can share and actions you can take as part of the braod-based campaign to oppose a constitutional convention. You will find a video, talking points, and the opportunity to communicate with your friends and family to urge them to vote NO on a constitutional convention.