Two lawmakers are asking voters to nix Measure 1 this fall, saying they will introduce another constitutional amendment next session that would put 25 percent of oil revenue into a trust fund every two years instead of $100 million.

At a Friday press conference, Sen. Tracy Potter, D-Bismarck, and Rep. Kathy Hawken, R-Fargo, said Measure 1 would lock away too much money, making it difficult for lawmakers to invest in roads, schools and tax relief.

"The idea of the trust is a good one," Potter said. "But what it ought to be is something taken to a percentage, not a dollar figure."

Rep. Dave Weiler, R-Bismarck, who introduced the constitutional amendment in 2007, said fixing the trust fund on a percentage instead of hard figure such as $100 million would potentially decrease the amount saved by the state in the long run.

He said the new plan put forward by Potter and Hawken is simply a "front" to spend more money in the next session.

"We can argue about the details all day long," Weiler said. "The only thing they object to is that they cannot get their hands on this money."

But Potter said Measure 1 is the wrong move in light of the nation's financial crisis, adding the new constitutional amendment would go before voters in 2010 when the implications of the crisis are better realized.

Hawken voted to approve Measure 1 during the 2007 session, calling her vote a "mistake" on Friday. Potter did not vote for the constitutional amendment that created Measure 1.

Hawken added if voters approve Measure 1 or Measure 2, the Legislature would have trouble funding property tax relief or any of the initiatives put forward by the gubernatorial candidates.

"I truly believe passing Measure 1 and Measure 2 will prevent us from doing any of those things," Hawken said. "I actually think property taxes will increase."

North Dakota's gubernatorial candidates, who both oppose Measure 1, said they would consider the plan put forward by Potter and Hawken on Friday.

"Saving in excess is irresponsible," said state Sen. Tim Mathern, the Democratic-NPL candidate. "When you get some money you fix some things that haven't been fixed and there are a lot of things in the infrastructure that haven't been fixed in the last eight years."

Don Canton, spokesman for Gov. John Hoeven, said the state has built a healthy reserve to fund programs and tax relief, adding the governor would consider the new amendment if "it's structured right."

(Reach reporter Brian Duggan at 223-8482 or brian.duggan@bismarcktribune.com.)