Priorities & Grass Roots » Legislative Advocacy Regulatory Advocacy Judicial Advocacy 2008 Policies & Backgrounds 2008 Voting Record Legislative Bill Tracker Find your Legislator Voter Resources Policy Committees Links

Initiative and Referendum

Issue

Should we amend Minnesota's Constitution to allow initiative and referendum?

Policy

The Minnesota Chamber opposes a constitutional amendment to allow initiative and referendum (I&R). The Chamber believes there are other ways to reform the state's policy-making process. They are presented in a separate policy statement, "Elections and Legislative Reform."

Initiative and referendum is to a great extent a reaction to the Legislature's inability to resolve society's most controversial issues. Bringing these issues to a popular vote is not likely to resolve them, because they tend to be complex and require compromise. The I&R process generates simple solutions. Complicated proposals are impossible to "sell" in general elections. Proposals are voted up or down, giving no opportunity for compromise. Furthermore, once I&R is approved, there's no practical way to limit it to issues the Legislature fails to resolve. Anyone who loses a debate at the Legislature will have the option of taking the issue "to the people."

Business Impact

Adoption of initiative and referendum could create adverse consequences for Minnesota businesses. I&R would increase the complexity of the legislative process for businesses by forcing them to carefully monitor all I&R bills and educate the public on their business impact. Businesses might have to contribute significant funding to public awareness campaigns in order to counteract elaborate efforts by special-interest groups to place proposals on the ballot that are adverse to business. As it would be difficult to limit I&R to issues the Legislature fails to resolve, businesses would have to exert a double effort - first at the Legislature, and second, with the public - to ensure protection of their interests. In addition, I&R reduces the accountability of legislative leaders to the business community by enabling them to pass off decision-making authority on important business issues to the public. With no direct voting rights, businesses' representation on vital issues would be significantly undermined if I&R were utilized.

Site Map|Privacy & Security|Contact Us|Send Feedback
© Copyright 2008 Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.

This web site is developed and owned by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. Any use or reprinting is strictly prohibited without prior consent of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.