IDS 2: Ratification Process Alteration Resolution (Passed)

[Dereich]

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Sponsor: Sjoyce

[Maxwell]

I just want to note that even though I support consolidation, I am against this resolution.

[Dereich]

So you want to empower the legislature at the expense of the voters? I guess it could give more meaning to legislature elections. I'm open to this.

[Donerail]

Yeah, this isn't (just, or even primarily) about consolidation - I've been considering ways to raise turnout in regional elections, and noted that (given the relatively low turnout in referendum elections) things would run smoother if the Legislature simply had the power. It raises the stakes a bit and forces more buy-in to legislative elections. We have a long history of trying things like this (the regional census bureau and regional political parties come to mind), and we can always revert back if we don't see the desired effect.

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

I am a bit leery of this after Rimjob.

[Maxwell]

I share Yank's concerns. I don't think I can, in good conscience, allow this resolution to go through. Isn't this an amendment to our constitution itself rather than a resolution?

[Donerail]

I share Yank's concerns. I don't think I can, in good conscience, allow this resolution to go through. Isn't this an amendment to our constitution itself rather than a resolution?

No, Amendment 17 (Ratification Decentralization Amendment) says that regions may ratify amendments passed by the Senate in a way chosen by their legislature - this is merely the legislature choosing a different method of ratification.

[Donerail]

Any more thoughts here? It's been a couple days. If nobody else has any other arguments, I'll motion for a final vote.

[Dereich]

I'll start a vote later today if there's nothing more to be said. This bill would have a pretty big impact on the game if passed so I don't want it rushed through if there are points yet to be made.

As for the fear of a second rimjob, I don't think this would contribute to that danger at all. Amendments would only come before the legislature after being passed by the Senate and would still need voter approval in the four other regions. In fact, having the legislature approve amendments would give us a better opportunity to actually debate their merits on a regional level; not all of us are willing to argue in the Senate threads.

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

I share Yank's concerns. I don't think I can, in good conscience, allow this resolution to go through. Isn't this an amendment to our constitution itself rather than a resolution?

I must point out though, that I do think we should preserve our freedom to so choose such, I just think it would be a mistake to take that step for our region and thus the region should probably opt to not do so.

[Deus Naturae]

LOL, Griffin is clearly behind this.

[Donerail]

LOL, Griffin is clearly behind this.

I introduced and support this legislation, and am the original author. As a legislator tasked with representing the best interests of the people of this region, I support this legislation to increase involvement in our regional legislative elections and so achieve a more representative democracy. Don't you have water systems to defluoridate or something?

[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

I see nothing wrong with this legislation. In the US, state legislatures are empowered to ratify amendments, and I see no reason why this should not also be the case in Atlasia. I am a strong supporter of regional autonomy, and I think their legislatures need to have the power to do things like this. After all, what else are regional legislatures good for? They represent The People of their region. Give them some teeth and a dog in the fight.

[Flake]

Can we open this up to a final vote?

[Dereich]

Seeing no further debate this bill is brought to a final vote. Legislators have 48 hours to vote aye, nay or to abstain.

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[Fmr. Pres. Duke]

Aye

[Donerail]

Aye

[Flake]

Aye

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

This runs against the stated mission of TCMFS PAC.

[Dereich]

Aye

[Dereich]

With four ayes and one legislator not voting this bill passes in the IDS legislator and is sent to the Emperor for signature or veto.

[Maxwell]

I sign,

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x Maxwell