SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — It was 50 years ago that Illinois voters approved a state constitution that was forward-looking and made government more efficient.
A half-century later, could an update tackle problems such as crushing debt and political corruption?
A failed campaign last month to amend the document to allow a broader income tax was beset by the hyper-partisanship that defines the political climate.
John Marshall Law School professor Ann Lousin says such divisions could doom an attempt to write a new charter.
However, Pat Quinn, the former Illinois governor who has championed many amendment drives, believes voters would favor a “fresh look.”
