By John Lyon
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK — A House committee on Wednesday voted down a proposed resolution asserting Arkansas’ claim of sovereignty under the 10th Amendment over all powers not specifically granted to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution.
The 8-10 vote on House Concurrent Resolution 1011 by Rep. Debra Hobbs, R-Rogers, fell along party lines, with eight Republican members of the House Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs voting “yes” and 10 Democratic members voting “no.”
In addition to asserting states’ rights, the resolution would “serve as notice and demand to the federal government, as our agent, to cease and desist, effective immediately, mandates that are beyond the scope of these constitutionally delegated powers.”
Lawmakers in at least 15 states are sponsoring resolutions asserting state sovereignty, in effect the right to ignore any federal law or policies they deem unconstitutional — including the spending restrictions attached to the $787 billion federal economic stimulus plan recently signed into law.
“We believe that we in Arkansas know where the money will do the most good. The federal government does not,” Hobbs told the committee.
Rep. Jon Woods, R-Springdale, a co-sponsor, said many of his constituents have expressed concerns about the federal government expanding its authority over states.
“All I’m doing is standing up for the common person who wants their voice to be heard,” he said.
Rep. Steve Harrelson, D-Texarkana, the House majority leader, said he did not want his name attached to a resolution demanding that the federal government “cease and desist” issuing mandates. He noted that the Arkansas Legislature issues mandates to city governments.
“If you got this same letter or a resolution signed by the city board of Springdale urging you, or I guess demanding, that you cease sending down mandates to them, are you going to listen to them?” he said.
Afterward, Hobbs said she was disappointed by the party-line vote because she did not believe the issue was a partisan one.
“What are we supposed to do when they keep doing mandates and mandates and mandates?” she said. “Right now we’re doing nothing.”
March 5th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Our government representatives have taken an oath to uphold the US Constitution and their State Constitution.
The members of the House Committee on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs denying the passage of this resolution would demonstrate the disregards of their loyalty to the oath to hold office and the people of this great state.
The failure to not support this resolution could result in your replacement in the next elections.
March 6th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
“It’s hard to ask Uncle Sam for a handout while you’re telling him to back off. ”
I’m sorry, could you please get some clarification on this?
Are you trying to tell your constituency that all you are concerned about is your measly hand out from “Uncle Sam” while a corrupt rouge government spends our REPUBLIC into OBLIVION????? It is clear that the federal government is not willing to limit itself to the powers GRANTED to it by WE THE PEOPLE under the constitution. Therefor it is your DUTY to hold them to their OATH to uphold the constitution that BINDS THEM DOWN. A few years from now, will you tell your children that you would have stood up the tyrannical government but we needed a HAND OUT??? WHAT A SORRY EXCUSE!! People of AK you should be ASHAMED of your local leaders! If we do not put a stop to the madness they will take everything you have!! SEE how they IGNORE YOU!! As if you do not matter!! YOU DO MATTER YOU ARE NOT SLAVES YOU ARE AMERICANS NOW ACT LIKE IT.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e-6qh9Mnko&feature=channel_page
March 6th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
sorry I forgot to attribute that quote from above post.
that is from Paul Barton and from this article…
http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/2009/03/now_is_not_the_time.aspx
March 7th, 2009 at 11:00 pm
The check on Federal Power is the Constitution. The 10th Amendment gives every right now specifically stated in the Constitution back to the STATES and the people. This bill should have passed, there is no doubt. I have a feeling people will be voted out because of not voting for this reassertion of rights for the states.
With regards to taking “Federal money”. They got it from us. They tie strings to it to make the States dance like puppets. It is your money. The state should have it with NO strings attached, period.
We are not slaves to the Federal Government.
March 7th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
That should read, “The 10th Amendment gives every right NOT specifically stated in the Constitution back to the STATES and the people.
March 9th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
Well put, BA. It’s important to remember where this money came from…our pocketbooks.
Just imagine what the economy would be like if they had let us spend more of it ourselves.
March 27th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Why are the 10 Democrats on the House Committee afraid of giving the State of Arkansas their rights under the 10th Amendment. What could possible be their big concern?
Phil F Valenti
March 28th, 2009 at 10:46 am
We want our State Sovereignty, in light of the socialism being
foisted upon US ALL. Who do you think you are??? You represent “We the People.” You are not God. You may want communism, BUT WE DO NOT!!!!!