Jaime Greene, Michigan State Representative District 65, represented Michigan in the Convention of States Foundation Article V Simulation. The simulation, held in Colonial Williamsburg Virginia August 2-4, 2023, was a three-day event to craft, discuss and vote on proposed amendments on 3 essential topics: term limits, fiscal restraints and limitations on the scope, power and jurisdiction of the federal government.
Jaime participated, due to her special interest in this issue, in the fiscal restraints committee whose purpose was to put a cap on federal spending with a balanced budget. This committee discussed several aspects of fiscal restraints: avoidance of an omnibus budget package (a political move to bundle several unrelated spending bills to gain widespread support), fiat currencies versus the gold standard, and how to approach financing a war.
Jaime reported the breadth of opinions in the committee was quite widespread while still focusing on ideology and not partisanship. It demonstrated what the founding fathers must have experienced creating the Constitution and highlighting how truly remarkable their success was.
When asked about the concern of a “run-away” convention during the simulation, Jamie responded by reporting that the possibility did not exist since the agenda and focus of the committee were strictly adhered to. The premise of such a convention is based on the subject matter agreed to by the 2/3 of states before a convention even begins. The feeling amongst participants, according to Jamie, was that everyone had something to add to what could eventually be adopted. Powerful personalities and representatives of large states did not dominate the discussion.
As a wife, mother, veteran, State Representative and COS Patriot, Jaime’s life is one of service. Convention of States Michigan is grateful for her participation in this Colonial Williamsburg event. Her efforts demonstrate a motivation to all to persevere and press on in our COS journey.
