The Illinois Constitution is modern and progressive

In 1970, under the leadership of state leaders such as then-Governor Richard Ogilvie and then-State Treasurer Adlai Stevenson III, Illinois adopted a modern constitution that was (and still is today) widely applauded as one of the most progressive state constitutions in America.

The document, still in effect today, guarantees at the state level many of the same fundamental liberties enshrined in the U.S. Constitution: due process of law, freedom of speech and religion, freedom of assembly.

But it goes much further, giving specific guarantees against discrimination on the basis of race, sex and physical ability, whether it is in employment, housing or dealings with businesses. It even contains specific provisions guarding against excessive taxation.

The constitution also provides for an amendment process similar to that of the U.S. Constitution. At any time, either the General Assembly or the voters themselves can suggest and ratify amendments to any aspect of the constitution. provides for the possibility of completely rewriting the entire document every 20 years. The document spells out the process: a referendum. In 1988, Illinois voters rejected by a 3-to-1 margin having a constitutional convention in 1990. This November, voters will once gain be asked to decide whether a new convention.

The Illinois Constitution works.

Ratified in 1970, the Illinois Constitution was a very progressive citizen-friendly document for its time, and remains so even today. It provides for very important provisions we wouldn't want to loose:

  • Limits income taxation
  • Prohibits employment and housing discrimination
  • Prohibits redlining (discriminatory business practices)
  • Safeguards against hate crime
  • Prohibits sex discrimination and discrimination against the disabled
  • Provides for religious freedom
  • Allows for tax credits

A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION WOULD BE EXPENSIVE!

The 1970 con-con cost $14 million - more than $78 million in 2008 dollars. Add the cost of electing delegates, the cost skyrockets well over $100 million. That's enough to buy a tank of gas for every resident of Rockford! Or, it's enough to increase funding for new schools in the 2008 budget by 20 percent. Or it simply could be used to address the mounting state budget deficit. The state budget is already strapped; it would be wasteful to add to that debt.

Further, local governments would shoulder the costs of organizing special elections - primary and general - for con-con delegates. Those costs are unknown.