We are reviewing at least four bills this session that would amend the state Constitution and some of them provide the Legislature with more power. That is a concerning trend.

Among them is a bill to allow the Legislature to call itself back into special session. Only the governor can call special sessions by today’s law. This new proposal allows the four leadership positions in the Legislature the combined authority to call lawmakers back for up to a sevenday special session.

The fact is Minnesota’s taxpayers just want us to get our work done on time and don’t want to pay for special sessions just because legislators blew a deadline. Special sessions are called “special” for a reason and should be reserved for the most necessary times when urgent matters need attention. Our current system of having the governor bear this responsibility has served us well for 150 years and it doesn’t need changing. I can’t remember a time when we were disappointed a special session was not called. It makes you cringe when you think about the political game-playing that could happen if all four legislative leadership positions were held by the same party.

Legislators also are attempting to eliminate most of the governor’s unallotment power by amending the Constitution. And another proposal is to require a candidate to receive more than 50 percent of the vote to be declared an election winner. This would force an instant run-off ballot system to be used.

Another proposed amendment would make it more difficult for the Legislature to put bills before the voters. It currently takes a simple majority vote in the Legislature to put a constitutional amendment on the general election ballot. The new bill states that 60 percent of the Legislature needs to vote in favor of amendments. Ironically, this constitutional amendment might be a good idea since it would protect our Constitution.

Rep. Murdock can be reached at www.house.mn/10B and via email at rep.mark. murdock@house.mn. 651-296-4293. 213 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.