VOTE TODAY: April ballot measure on ‘big money in politics’ in La Crosse offers voice on amending Constitution

La Crosse voters could soon influence the idea of ‘big money in politics,’ through an amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

A ballot resolution to amend goes after the influence of big money in politics and establishes that only people have human rights under the Constitution. The referendum question on the April 3 ballot asks voters, essentially, to overturn the controversial Citizens United decision by the Supreme Court.

It’s a popular concept, says Gary Knudtson, with the group La Crosse United to Amend, which worked to get the resolution on the ballot.

“That goes across party lines,” Knutson said. “There are polls out that say 80 percent of Republicans and 85 percent of Democrats all agree there is too much money in politics. It’s an easy sell.”

The local group is part of a larger movement that has already passed resolutions in 120 Wisconsin communities. It’s also being passed throughout 19 states — 19 state legislatures have called for amending the Constitution and legislation is pending in Madison to do the same — and 800 communities across the U.S.

It is something that’s admittedly part of a much longer process, says local organizer for La Crosse Citizens United to Amend, Pam Knudtson.

“It seems that it’s likely going to take a lot of pressure from below,” Knudtson said. “I guess we need to use every approach that we can to make a change.”

The La Crosse group collected more than 3,600 signatures to present the referendum to the city council, which voted to send the issue to the ballot.