http://www.newamerica.net/blog/topics/initiative-statute The taxonomy view with a depth of 0. en http://www.newamerica.net/blog/blockbuster-democracy/2008/sensible-reform-colorado-3753 <p>As their session came to a close Tuesday, Colorado state lawmakers passed a sensible <a target="_blank" href="http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_9174515">reform</a> to the initiative process. They raised the standards to qualify an initiative that would change the state constitution, but lowered the standard to qualify an initiative that changes a mere statute. There had been no separate standard before, and that meant that the Colorado constitution had a lot of new amendments. Why bother with changing the law when, for the same money and effort, you can change the state constitution?</p> <p>This legislation is important because it recognizes the value of lowering signature standards. In most cases, reform consists of raising signature standards -- which merely adds cost and limits the process to rich individuals and interest groups.</p> http://www.newamerica.net/blog/blockbuster-democracy/2008/sensible-reform-colorado-3753#comments Blockbuster Democracy Colorado Constitutional Amendments Initiative Statute Signature Gathering Wed, 07 May 2008 19:40:00 -0400 Joe Mathews 3753 at http://www.newamerica.net/blog