Florida lawmakers are calling for a convention to consider a potential U.S. Constitutional amendment that could establish term limits on Congress without their approval. Florida is the first state in the U.S. to request such a convention.
HM 417 passed with staggering support from both Republicans and Democrats in the State House and State Senate. The legislation was spearheaded by Florida Rep. Larry Metz (R—Groveland) and State Sen. Aaron Bean (R—Jacksonville).
The measure was influenced by U.S. Term Limits, a group dedicated to quashing “careerism" in Washington. Philip Blumel, president of the group, says what he calls "term limit abuse" is a national concern that is shared by supporters of all political parties.
“Seventy-five percent of Americans support term limits on Congress, including huge majorities of Democrats, Republicans and Independents,” said Blumel in a press release. “This is a rare, truly bipartisan issue with national support.”
A convention to discuss congressional term limits can’t be arranged unless 34 states establish legislation similar to Florida’s. An amendment can be added to the U.S. Constitution if 38 states approve. U.S. Term Limits are using grassroots strategies to prompt similar legislative actions from other states, including Colorado and Michigan.
Florida’s legislature adopted their own term limits in 1992 when Amendment 9 drew in 77% of the votes.
The governor, cabinet members and state legislators are each limited to two terms.
Although term limits are a popular policy, it does have its detractors, who say term limits—or at least only allowing two terms instead of, say, four—could create something of a brain drain among legislators, who often don't start out with a working knowledge of their chamber or the sway needed to get much done legislatively. Plus, it could cause many to worry more about what office to run for next instead of the job at hand.
But Blume believes the state’s legislative efforts can help end careerism in politics, which many believe is a major problem plaguing the political process, and applauds Florida for taking the first step.
“There are now 11 states hot on Florida’s heels, and the progress here has laid the groundwork for their success,” said Blumel, he said. “Rep. Larry Metz and State Sen. Aaron Bean have been an integral part of the process in Florida and in making Florida the first state in the nation to call for term limits."
This article appears in Feb 11-17, 2016.