This provision is critical. Proposed amendments, from whatever source, would be required to move through the same approval process. It's undeniable, however, that in recent years the number of amendments proposed by initiative petition has grown. Many of the proposals have addressed tax and spending issues or term limits for elected officials. The odds of an initiative petition reaching the ballot are improved if it's supported financially.
Money makes it easier to collect the necessary signatures to bring the issue to the ballot.
It also buys advertising prior to the election. Critics charge that the constitution may be for sale in such situations. Meanwhile, amendment opponents often are less organized and don't have the resources to promote their views. In other cases, proposed amendments from either the Legislature or initiative petition receive little attention. A close race for governor or senator, for example, may seem far more important to voters.