Opinion ID: 879799
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: an amendment to the constitution proposed by the legislature

Text: AN ACT TO SUBMIT TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF MONTANA AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE XII, SECTION 3, OF THE MONTANA CONSTITUTION TO ALLOW THE LEGISLATURE GREATER DISCRETION IN PROVIDING ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE AND SOCIAL AND REHABILITATION SERVICES TO THOSE IN NEED; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. [] FOR allowing the legislature greater discretion to determine the eligibility, duration, and level of economic assistance and social services to those in need. [] AGAINST allowing the legislature greater discretion to determine the eligibility, duration, and level of economic assistance and social services to those in need. Where in the ballot are the aged informed that their present group right to state aid, if needy, is stripped away by the ballot issue, and their lot cast to the whim of the legislators? They are not informed. Where in the ballot are the sick, the crippled, the infirm told that their present group right to state aid, if needy, will be gone with the wind? The are not told. Where in the ballot does it state that a Montanan's present group right to state aid in case of faultless poverty will be lost? It is not stated. In the face of such deceit, this Court should condemn the referendum, and take it off the ballot for at least these reasons: (1) By hiding its true purpose, the referendum prevents the free exercise by Montana voters of their right of suffrage. (Art. II, § 13, 1972 Mont. Const.) (2) By hiding its true purpose, the referendum prevents the public right of opportunity to participate in the operation of state agencies. (Art. II, § 8, 1972 Mont. Const.) (3) By hiding its true purpose, the referendum deprives the public of its right to examine public documents. (Art. II, § 9, 1972 Mont. Const.) (4) By hiding its true purpose, the referendum deprives the public of its right to pursue life's basic necessities. (Art. II, § 3, 1972 Mont. Const.) (5) By hiding its true purpose, the referendum deprives the needy aged, infirm and misfortunate persons of due process of law. (Art. II, § 17, 1972 Mont. Const.) Because of the foregoing failings, the voters will not be given an opportunity to exercise their franchise in a knowing, conscientious manner. In Burgan and Walker v. State Highway Commission (1943), 114 Mont. 459, 137 P.2d 663, this Court enjoined a referendum before the election because of its evident constitutional deficiencies. That situation exists here. Our judicial duty is to enjoin or prevent the submission of this mendacity to the people. HUNT, J., joins in the foregoing dissent of SHEEHY, J.