Today, Leaders for a Better Louisiana is releasing its analysis and recommendations on the 10 constitutional amendments on the November 3 ballot. Better Louisiana supports Amendments 1, 2, 5, 7, and 10. We oppose Amendments 6, 8, and 9 and are neutral on Amendments 3 and 4.
A brief description of each amendment and our positions are outlined in the chart below. A full analysis of each amendment can be found on the Better Louisiana website.
Over the last two election cycles, voters have rejected all nine of the constitutional amendments that have been placed on the ballot. In fact, the last time an amendment was approved was in December of 2024. Whether that is the result of voter fatigue with constitutional amendments or a political statement citizens are making, constitutional amendments are still an important part of the process of governing. Better Louisiana believes each should be considered based on their merits.
“We understand that voters can tire from constantly being asked to consider amendments to the constitution,” said Adam Knapp CEO of Better Louisiana. “Nevertheless, some of them represent smart policy choices that can only be enacted by changing the constitution. We hope voters will consider them carefully and use our analysis and other available resources to make informed decisions when they cast their ballots.”
In developing its position on the amendments, Better Louisiana has established a framework for analyzing them based on four basic principles:
- Treat the constitution as a framing document for governance. Louisiana’s constitution should set structure and rights, as the federal constitution does. Most policy details belong in statute, where they can more easily be revised as needed.
- It is better to take things out of the constitution than unnecessarily add things to it. Removing provisions, particularly overly prescriptive tax policy, generally strengthens the document and returns decisions to the legislative process.
- Clear the way for good policy. Sometimes the existing constitutional language blocks sound policy that cannot be addressed in statute without a constitutional change.
- Resist new restrictions. Refrain from adding constraints that do not need to be placed in the constitution, especially measures that restrict the flexibility of local governments to manage their fiscal affairs. Once added to the constitution they can be difficult to adjust or remove.
“The 10 items on the ballot this fall are the most we have had since 2014,” said Knapp. “That’s why it’s more important than ever that citizens take some time to understand what the amendments do and the consequences of voting either for or against any of them.”
Early voting begins October 20 and continues through October 27. For more information contact Cathy Edmonston at cathy@betterla.org .
About Leaders for a Better Louisiana
Better Louisiana is dedicated to unlocking Louisiana’s potential. The organization connects and develops leaders to drive transformative change for the state. Formed through the merger of Committee of 100 (C100) and Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL), our vision is a Louisiana with a dynamic, future-ready economy that offers every citizen and business the opportunity to thrive. For more information, visit www.betterla.org.
