The Mount Vernon Assembly

October 22, 2013 Dear Legislator: Article V of the U.S. Constitution gives states equal standing with Congress to propose constitutional amendments. The framers of the Constitution included the state option to address issues of abuse or inaction by the federal government. In light of the federal governments struggle to effectively execute the will of the people combined with the imbalance of power that currently exists between the federal and state governments, we respectfully request your states participation in a bipartisan gathering of state legislators to be known as the Mount Vernon Assembly. It is our hope that all 50 states will be represented at this meeting. The purpose of the Assembly is to (1) convene in a politically pure environment comprised only of currently serving state legislators, free from the influence of outside organizations; and (2) discuss and draft an agenda for a Convention of the States for the sole purpose of writing the rules that would govern future meetings of that legislative body, including any Article V Conventions for Proposing Amendments. This purpose of the Assembly is not to promote any Article V subject matter. We believe establishing rules for future Conventions of the States will (1) cultivate the communication and interaction of state governments, fostering a rebalance of power under our federalist system; and (2) ensure that a prudent and cautious process is put in place to govern all future deliberations of the body; and (3) eliminate the distraction around the process of an Article V Convention, thus allowing any Article V application to be analyzed solely on the merits of its subject matter. Each state is requested to send a bipartisan delegation with a maximum of three legislators, and will have one vote at the Mount Vernon Assembly. To ensure there is no undue influence by third parties, each state legislature and legislator will be responsible for their own expenses. The meeting will be held Saturday December 7, 2013 at George Washingtons Mount Vernon Estate near Washington D.C. Please reply to Representative Kapengas office with any questions and/or the contact information of your attendees (email: Rep.Kapenga@legis.wisconsin.gov or phone: 608-266-3007). An email notice will also be sent to your legislative members. Only credentialed registrants will be allowed access into the meeting. Sincerely, Steering Committee Members:

Rep. Chris Kapenga, Wisconsin Co-chair, Constitution and Ethics

Rep. Matt Huffman, Ohio Speaker Pro Tempore

Sen. David Long, Indiana President Pro Tem

Rep. Gary W. Banz, Oklahoma Chair, Veteran & Military Affairs

Sen. Caryn Tyson, Kansas Vice Chair, Assessment and Taxation