Amendment No. 2: The People Asserted Their Authority over State Government

All four proposed amendments to the Louisiana Constitution went down to defeat March 29 by a landslide.  The most important was Amendment No. 2, which was heralded by Gov. Jeff Landry as “fiscal reform.”  Actually, the 115-page constitutional amendment, the longest in state history, was a hodge-podge of good and bad.

Shall We Amend La. Const.

to Adopt Amendment No. 2

Yes 18,840 25%

No 56,742 75%

East Baton Rouge Results

Saturday, March 29, 2025

All voters need is one reason to vote against a proposition on the ballot.  They had many reasons to vote against No. 2 but perhaps the most significant was that it removed constitutional protection against property taxes being imposed on churches and other non-profits.

What lessons should legislators  learn from the landslide defeat of Amendment No. 2? 

• Don’t assume voters are stupid.   The reality is that voters tried very hard to understand Amendment No. 2. However, it was almost important.  It was far, far too long to read and understand.  Legislators should realize that if they don’t have time to read a constitutional amendment, it is unreasonable to ask voters to.

• Keep it simple.  Give us one concept at a time to vote on. Each proposed amendment should have one clear object and no more.

• Remember that we don’t trust you!  And you’ve earned it!

• Repeat: Don’t ask us to “trust” the legislature and put important safeguards in the statutes. We don’t trust you!  Keep important safeguards in the Constitution.

• Don’t even think about doing anything to jeopardize our churches, our homes, our families, our businesses, or our taxes.  We will vote it down and may vote you down too!

• Be humble. Don’t tell us we’re stupid when we vote against what you want.  Remember this: As long as an election is free and fair, the people are always right, because it’s their government.