AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine Republican senators are calling on Democrats to support a proposal aimed at forcing the federal government to balance its budget.
The Republican-led Senate considered a resolution Thursday that calls for a constitutional convention to amend the U.S. Constitution to require a balanced budget.
But it was tabled because Republicans were unsure whether it had enough support. At least our Democrats would have to vote with Republicans it to pass with two-thirds support.
Senate President Michael Thibodeau says Maine needs to hold Washington D.C. accountable.
But several Democratic lawmakers expressed concerns that a convention would open the door to other constitutional changes.
If approved, Maine would join 27 states that have passed similar resolutions. It takes 34 states to trigger a convention and 38 states to ratify a constitutional amendment.
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