Louisiana Voters Face 14 Constitutional Issues

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Overshadowed by a hotly contested statewide battle for the U.S. Senate and congressional races are 14 proposed changes to the state's constitution on Tuesday's ballot.

Two amendments affect health care funding and have renewed debate on whether the constitution is the proper place for further restrictions on the powers of the governor and Legislature to determine how the state spends money.

Other amendments deal with tax breaks for the disabled, the retirement age of judges, taxes and blighted property in New Orleans, and limits on the Legislature's ability to consider tax rebates and incentives. Still others involve membership on the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission and the maximum number of executive branch departments.

At the top of the ballot are the two health care amendments.