DU lawyers?

[serryjw]

What is the difference between (state) constitutional issues and statutory? How are statues made and amended?

[Keseys Ghost]

1. Statutes must conform with constitutional limits

for what that's worth.

When the Constitution of the United States is respected, it trumps all else.

Proceed @ your own peril...

[Floogeldy]

2. Generally . . .

Constitutional provisions take precedence over state statutes. A statute cannot violate a constitution. State statutes are passed by state legislatures and can be amended by them at any time. It is much more difficult to amend a constitution, i.e., my state requires a vote of the people.

In addition, statutes must be very specific so that it is very clear what they mean and to what they appertain. However, many constitutional provisions are worded more broadly such as, i.e., guaranteeing "liberty."

Anything specific you are wondering about?

[serryjw]

3. Yes, As an example

I am working on a state petition that would give 65% of the state educational budget( K-12) to classroom instruction v administrative costs. A few people would not sign it because they didn't want to amend the constitution but IF we don't the damn governor does what he wants with the money any way. Colorado is now 48th in classroom spending

[Floogeldy]

4. I see both sides.

A state's budget should probably be the concern of the legislature and governor. Someone is trying to go around the process and make a budgetary division set in stone in the state constitution. This may be because elected officials are not responding to the will of the people or simply an organization (teacher's union?) is trying to garner more money.

On the other hand, once the constitution is amended it is going to be more difficult to amend it again to undo the prior amendment. Constitutionally requiring that a percentage of a budget be earmarked to education is a good cause and it constrains legislators from doing anything different.

Good luck!

:)

[serryjw]

5. Our prop C from the last election

was suppose to go to healthcare, education and road/hwys. I don't remember if there was a specific breakdown but Governor Owens decided that 60% should go to roads/hwys. Now as a bus rider I appreciate that we need to get people out of there cars and the sooner we have better roads the buses can take people to the major employment hubs BUT being 48th in education sucks