DeSantis joins Kentucky lawmakers in Frankfort to promote balanced budget amendment resolution

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis joined Kentucky  State Rep. Jason Petrie in Frankfort to discuss House Concurrent Resolution 45, a proposal that calls for a balanced federal budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The resolution would formally ask Congress to consider an amendment requiring the federal government to balance its budget, something supporters say is necessary as the national debt continues to grow.

According to U.S. Treasury Fiscal Data referenced by supporters, the national debt currently stands at about $38.65 trillion. Officials backing the measure say the debt has increased by more than $32 trillion since 2000, and argue constitutional limits on federal spending are needed to change the country’s fiscal path.

During the event, DeSantis said rising interest payments on the national debt could have long-term impacts on taxpayers, noting estimates that place the burden at more than $100,000 per U.S. citizen and close to $300,000 per taxpayer.

House Concurrent Resolution 45 would make an application to Congress under Article V of the Constitution, which outlines the amendment process. If enough states approve similar resolutions, a convention could be called for the sole purpose of drafting a balanced budget amendment proposal. Each participating state would select delegates to attend and work on the proposal.

Supporters, including Loren Enns, president of the organization Balanced Budget Now, say even if an amendment were adopted, it could take more than a decade — roughly 13 to 14 years — to fully reach a balanced federal budget.

Right now, advocates say 28 states support pursuing a balanced budget amendment, while 38 states would ultimately be needed to ratify a constitutional change.