Convention of States rally pushes for fiscal restraint, limits on federal power

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – A movement to restrain the federal government’s power and jurisdiction is pushing for more momentum in Illinois.

The Convention of States needs support from 34 states to convene an Article Five convention that would propose constitutional amendments.

The movement’s stated goals are to impose fiscal restraint on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government and place term limits on Congress and federal officials.

Convention of States Illinois state director David Winters said the average debt per person is $117,000 in the United States, but that includes newborns.

“The average debt per taxpayer is $204,000, and like Dan mentioned, we’re adding $1 trillion in debt every 90 days,” Winters said.

Former Illinois state Rep. Dan Caulkins said U.S. taxpayers are spending about $1 trillion a year on interest.

“That’s not money that we can spend on schools. That’s not money that we spend on defense or infrastructure. It’s not money that we can spend on seniors or strengthening our military or securing our borders,” Caulkins said.

The group urged support for Illinois House Joint Resolution 15 and Senate Joint Resolution 27.

State Rep. Regan Deering, R-Decatur, said she supports the Convention of States not just as a legislator but as a mom of three.

“Will they inherit a nation of opportunity, self governance and liberty, or will we have them weighed down by debt, overreach and an unaccountable federal government?” Deering asked.