Lawmakers gathered at the State Capitol Thursday to introduce Senate Resolution 673.

The resolution petitions Congress to call a convention to propose a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. constitution.

The amendment would prevent federal spending from exceeding federal revenues, with the exception of a national emergency.

Senator Bill Cowsert says that 48 states have proven that a balanced budget is possible even during hard economic times:

“We’ve done it. We’ve rolled up our sleeves. We’ve spent no more than we generate in tax revenue, because that’s the fiscally responsible way to run your government. Just like households must operate within the budget, you can’t continue to spend more than you make. ”

If approved the resolution would make Georgia the 18th of 34 states needed for the amendment to pass.

Tags: Athens, amendment, constitution, SR 673, Senator Cowsert