Tennessee Stands

As the debate continues in the legislature and Governor Bill Lee continues to push for a red flag law in Tennessee, we are talking with John Harris of the Tennessee Firearms Association about your constitutionally secured 2nd Amendment rights. Violence is tragic. What happened in Nashville at Covenant is tragic. But this cannot be an emotional debate. It must be a debate based on the Constitution and the limitations therein of what powers the government actually has when it comes to regulating a right to bear arms and "who" gets to practice that right. We continue to call on our legislators here in Tennessee to stand firm on those rights, on their constitutional limitations to address these issues, and to drop the gun debate and discuss ways to actually address the root of the issues we are having in our society.

Legislators like to use different words to achieve various policy goals in order to rebrand the message. So, Gov Bill Lee talks about taking guns out of the hands of "dangerous people" all the while protecting your constitutional rights. Other legislators are now talking about similar legislation but calling it ERPO (Extreme Risk Protection Order) instead of using the term "red flag law." And then you realize that these are not policy decisions, but marketing decisions. Do not be deceived. The 2nd Amendment is not a second-class right, but a right to be defended just like the 1st and any other Amendment. The right to bear arms is a God-given, pre-political right not to be taken or abrogated by government in any way. Please join us in standing firm against any move by the Tennessee General Assembly that would purport to limit our right to bear arms or work to qualify a citizen's ability to practice that constitutionally secured right.

Today on the Senate floor, SJR 34, a proposed constitutional amendment that would have allowed the state of Tennessee to invest your tax dollars and become "owners" of private corporations FAILED. This is a big win for liberty and limited government. Thank you to EVERY Tennessean that spoke up and emailed or called your state senator on this issue. Your voice matters! Also, thank you to the 10 Republican and 6 Democrat state senators that stood up today for the proper role of government in midst of pressure from the administration. You made the right vote. And Tennessee thanks you for it. Please reach out and THANK these senators. Sen. Raumesh Akbari (D) Sen. Paul Bailey (R) Sen. Janice Bowling (R) Sen. Richard Briggs (R) Sen. Heidi Campbell (D) Sen. Rusty Crowe (R) Sen. Joey Hensley (R) Sen. Sara Kyle (D) Sen. London Lamar (D) Sen. Jon Lundberg (R) Sen. Charlane Oliver (D) Sen. Mark Pody (R) Sen. Steve Southerland (R) Sen. Art Swann (R) Sen. Bo Watson (R) Sen. Jeff Yarbro (D)

We appreciate facts and we love the truth. And what happened yesterday in Nashville at the Capitol was by no means an insurrection. But the events certainly continue to be instructive of where we are in society and a generation heavily influenced by progressive media and programming. The real issue at hand is our 2nd Amendment rights here in Tennessee and on that point, we ought not to get distracted. Our understanding and per reports from our friends at the Tennessee Firearms Association is that moves are underway to present some form of red flag laws to the legislature in response to the "crisis" and the demonstration at the Capitol. We do not live under mob rule democracy here in America. And my hope is that our elected representatives continue to stand firm on our constitution and the rights secured therein. The pressure is on to bring gun control to Tennessee. You need to be on the phone with your legislators and let them know that you do not support red flag gun control measures.

Washington County is the latest to find that the GOP bylaws they have been referring to for years are now suddenly changing. Kurt Fagerburg is a Republican and has been diligently and loyally voting Republican for twenty years. He’s served as Washington County Young Republicans President. And he’s shown up to participate in reorganizations consistently for well over a decade. This should have made him an eligible candidate for Chairman of the Washington County Republican Party. That is until those currently in power decided to move the target. Now they are telling Kurt that he does not meet the criteria of being “actively involved” in a Republican club. “Actively involved in” is defined as a quantifiable contribution including, but not limited to, time or money to Tennessee Republican Party, his County Republican Party, or any recognized auxiliary organization. He is a member of one of the recognized clubs but they are saying not within an acceptable time frame. Even though the time frame is since the last reorganization. Additionally, people who pre-registered and were sent a notification saying they were eligible to vote are now going to be re-vetted by the new standard. This is going to disenfranchise a number of people who are going to come out to be involved and then be turned away. Kurt Fagerburg is here to talk about it.

The constitutional amendment that would allow the state of Tennessee to now invest in and own private banks and private corporations is heading to the Senate floor. It needs a 2/3s majority to pass and once it passes both the Senate and the House, this proposed amendment will be on the ballot in November 2026. The argument being made by some Republicans, of course, is the need to generate a higher return investment on our tax dollars. I would remind these corporate hacks that it is not the government's job, duty, or responsibility to get an ROI on our taxes. But it is their duty to preserve the integrity of our constitution and protect our liberty secured therein. Passing this amendment would merge the financial interests of corporations with that of the state. They are selling off your liberty to the highest bidder. But that's nothing new. They did the same thing 3 years ago when they sold off your liberties in exchange for federal money in dealing with a manufactured crisis. Another argument being made is that the current Treasurer and Comptroller of the state are doing such a great job and Tennessee's monetary policy is fiscally sound. Nothing bad is going to happen. The foresight lacking in this argument is incredible. Amending our constitution this way is a permanent expansion of the powers of state government. Who is to say that in 10, 20, or 50 years from now, we have a great Treasurer or Comptroller and that we have a sound fiscal policy? This proposal is incredibly shortsighted; it introduces a great amount of risk for future Tennesseans; it greatly expands the power of (2) appointed and unelected men controlling our financial future; it completely removes the boundary between state interest and corporate interest; and more that I am sure is only yet to be discovered.

Last week, Governor Kristi Noem vetoed House Bill 1193 for fears that these regulations would be the beginnings of a centralized digital currency for South Dakota. And wouldn't you know, the exact same bill is going into committee this week here in Tennessee. Senate Bill 479 would introduce a uniform code pushed by the American Law Institute and the Uniform Law Commission in order to standard certain regulations across the several states concerning electronic money transactions. Additionally, the proposed redefinition of "money" seems to preclude the use of cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin, in favor of a standardized and regulated electronic money like CDBC. It is incredible to see legislation that was vetoed by one of the nation's most conservative governors now making its way through our General Assembly. Make no mistake, Tennessee is not immune to the push towards centralization and the globalist agenda. We must stand firm. Here are links to the resources mentioned in the video for your review. South Dakota UCC Bill: https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/23995 Tennessee UCC Bill: https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0479 UCC Model Legislation: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/business_law/publications/blt/2022/04/2022-amendments-ucc/ CSBS Model Legislation: https://www.csbs.org/csbs-model-money-transmission-modernization-act TN's Money Transmission Modernization Act: https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0268&GA=113

We have watched here in Tennessee over the last few election cycles some really good conservative candidates get kicked off of the Republican Primary ballot for a variety of reasons. Of course, the committee likes to say that they are just following the bylaws. But you and I both know that sometimes those bylaws only apply to certain people. HB 636 passed on the House Floor today which would nip these political party games in the bud. If a party boots a candidate from the primary ballot after the candidate filing deadline, that candidate would now have 7 days to file as an Independent and run in the general election. This might seem insignificant. But I assure you, it is not. This has been a tool of the Republican Party for too long in malicious efforts to support moderates and insulate incumbents from a credible challenge from conservative candidates. And it's time to stop the nonsense. To get this done, this bill needs to pass the State and Local Government Committee in the Senate next. Tell these Senators that you support SB 598 to protect a candidate's right to run for office. Leave it up to voters who they want to select as their party's candidate in the primary election. https://tennesseestands.org/senate-state-and-local-government-phone-list/

Again, a very simple bill to secure religious exemptions to childhood vaccinations fails in a health subcommittee here in Tennessee. You may or may not realize that in Tennessee, religious exemptions to childhood vaccinations (public schools) are null and void in the case that our Commissioner of Health declares that we are in "an epidemic or the immediate threat of an epidemic." This bill simply sought to clean that up and secure your religious liberty in all circumstances. It is important to note that this same committee weeks ago PASSED HB883 that if it makes it to the Governor's desk, will weaken our abortion laws here in Tennessee and put unborn babies at risk. This same committee, could not find it in themselves to even hear a bill to secure your rights to religious liberty. One has to ask themselves what in the world is going on in the Republican Party here in Tennessee?

Do Tennesseans have the right to see behind the curtain to ensure that their vote is counted as cast? Come and hear from experts/officials from around the State and around the Country to work together to learn: Why are Americans concerned that their Vote doesn't Count as Cast? What is the controversy about machines? When/How did Convenience replace Accuracy? Where are the checks and balances? How can you make a difference that makes your vote count as cast? www.behindthecurtaintn.com

We’re about midway through the 2023 legislative session and you’ve sent about 200,000 emails to the General Assembly on a variety of important issues. Way to go! Here is an update on several bills that we are following. Continue to take action with us at https://tennesseestands.org/legislative-priorities-2023/

HB321, otherwise known as the Transportation Modernization Act, passed unanimously out of the House Transporation Committee this morning on Feb 28th. Cumulatively when you consider the 25 members of this committee, the General Assembly received 59,550 emails in opposition to HB321 through our website alone from verified Tennessee residents. That does not take into account phone calls and emails sent directly that we have no way of tracking. Yet, this committee passed the bill while referring to your comments as misinformed. This current General Assembly has garnered the reputation of one thing for certain under the leadership of Sexton and McNally, they are going to do what they are going to do come hell or high water whether you like it or not. It's not over yet. But all signs point to this bill passing in the end. And in the coming years, we'll reap the consequences of what is being thrust upon us. And all we'll be able to say at that point is, we told you so.

If there is one box you need to check as a candidate for office running as a Republican in the state of Tennessee, it is the pro-life box. And now, in a post-Roe v Wade legislative year, this is the first time that Republicans needed to stand firm in the defense of life. And they failed the very first test. And to boot, Cammie was offended that a lobbyist from Right to Life (who has in the past endorsed most of these committee members) dared to state that passing this bill would be a negative for future consideration. Well, suck it up Cammie. You were elected to stand up for the unborn. And here us, we fully expect you to do so.

Governor Bill Lee, in usual fashion, is working behind the scenes to ram through legislation under the cloak of darkness. His Transportation Modernization Act passed a House subcommittee by amending a caption bill before the public had any opportunity to voice their concerns. But now, HB 321 is scheduled for Feb 28th in the House Transportation (Full) Committee. And we need to let the Governor and our legislators know that we do not want toll roads in Tennessee. You've received responses from legislators stating that Tennessee Stands is spreading misinformation about their plans for paid "choice lanes" in Tennessee. So, we thought we'd put together a montage of what people in other states are saying about these so-called "choice lanes," commonly known as, toll roads. Please watch and share.

BREAKING: The House Transportation Committee has decided to delay hearing the toll road bill for 2 weeks. Stating that they need time to breathe, and will combat misinformation with the truth. We are excited to hear the truth. Thank you to every Tennessean for taking action. We promise, there is much more to come.

Republicans are working overtime to sell you the idea that toll roads are really just "choice lanes," and there is really nothing to see here in terms of passing HB321. They are saying that Tennessee Stands is just spreading misinformation by calling their proposal, "toll roads." They are saying that HB321 will actually restrict the future use of mandatory toll road lanes. They are saying that Tennessee is experiencing so much prosperity, that we cannot afford to build our own roads without public-private partnerships. After receiving over 30,000 messages over the weekend, the House Transportation Committee is still poised to pass this bill Tuesday morning at 8:00am. Watch the video and get informed. And then take action here https://tennesseestands.org/take-action-on-hb321/

Governor Bill Lee's proposal for the Transportation Modernization Act is a tax hike. Choice lanes are toll roads. And tolls are taxes. In the Governor's proposal, you'll hear about public-private partnerships and a development strategy that will take the burden for new roads off of the taxpayer. But no one is telling you how much this is actually going to cost in real, everyday dollars. You are going to pay through the nose to use these "choice lanes." Just ask Texans who drive them every day. And the taxpayer is going to be on the hook for drivers who neglect to pay their tolls. And non-compete contracts are going to restrict the state from future development around these "choice lanes" for upwards of 50 years leaving you with, well, toll roads. This has all been done before and is old hat for drivers in other states who have already been sold out to multinational conglomerates. But why must we do this in Tennessee, a state nearing a $5 Billion dollar annual surplus? Perhaps if we stop giving billions to woke corporations in the name of "job growth," we could take care of our infrastructure in Tennessee for people who already live here and pay taxes. Don't miss the details in this video. Many of you have no idea how much you are getting ready to pay just to drive through Nashville and other major cities in Tennessee. CORRECTION: Worth noting that I mistakenly calculated the fees with a "trailer" added. Single-occupant vehicles would actually total up to $200 per month in toll fees, if that makes you feel any better.

The Tennessee Conservative News has reported extensively on SB160 which goes into committee next week and would serve to effectively silence the speech of nonprofit advocacy organizations across the state.. ..all in the name of transparency, of course. https://tennesseeconservativenews.com/whitson-doesnt-deny-that-his-bill-is-an-insidious-attack-on-freedom-of-the-press/ https://tennesseeconservativenews.com/new-legislation-seeks-to-censor-news-outlets-and-companies-in-tennessee/ https://tennesseeconservativenews.com/new-bill-threatens-free-speech-and-advocacy-organizations-across-tennessee/ And one of the most fascinating parts of the story is perhaps not the bill itself, but the sponsors of the bill, a bill on ethics and transparency. So, let's start with the senate sponsor, Richard Briggs. WATCH THE VIDEO

HB 1 / SB 1 to end child mutilation surgeries here in Tennessee have passed out of committees. The House bill is referred to the full Health Committee and the Senate bill is referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. HB 9 / SB 3 to end public sexualized performances in the presence of minors in Tennessee also both passed out of committees. The House bill is referred to the full Criminal Justice Committee and the Senate bill has been referred to the Calendar for a vote on the Senate floor. Please be sure to go to our website and follow our take action page at https://tennesseestands.org/legislative-priorities-2023/ Also, don't miss our legislative clip of the week in the video.

This is a story about triumph and what it looks like when political leaders stand shoulder to shoulder with the church in order to protect our children and defend our family values. There is an agenda against families. We believe it is a godless agenda. We are living in a time where society seems to call evil good and good evil. And when the church is silent, we are allowing evil to prevail because it is the only voice in the public square. Our sincere hope is that this story sends a signal to pastors across the state of Tennessee. It is time to stand. God has called you to be a watchman on the wall for such a time as this. Special thanks to Tennessee State Representative Chris Todd and Pastor Garry Martin of First Assembly of God in Jackson, TN. Thank you for sharing this story. And thank you for standing in the gap for our children.

I wrote about this last year and began ringing the alarm bells in August 2022. Last year, the 112th General Assembly passed a resolution that proposes a constitutional amendment to Article II, Section 31 that would now allow the state of Tennessee to become shareholders (owners) in private banks and private corporations. If this bill (SJR0034) sponsored by Sen. Ferrell Haile passes, it will be put on the general election ballot in 2026. And there will be millions of dollars spent by corporations, the World Economic Forum, the Chamber of Commerce, and the like stating what a great deal this is because it will give the state of Tennessee a greater rate of return on its investsments. And that very well might be true. But the question we should all be asking is, should the state own a private corporation? What could possibly go wrong? I implore you to contact members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and tell them to vote NO on SJR0034. Sen. Todd Gardenhire (Chairman) (615) 741-6682 Sen. Dawn White (615) 741-6853 Sen. Paul Rose (615) 741-1967 Sen. Sara Kyle (615) 741-4167 Sen. London Lamar (615) 741-2509 Sen. John Lundberg (615) 741-5761 Sen. Kerry Roberts (615) 741-4499 Sen. John Stevens (615) 741-4576 Sen. Brent Taylor (615) 741-3036

Make sure you are paying attention and engaged! The legislature will go into session here in Tennessee on Tuesday, January 10th at noon. Want to learn how to watch for legislation, find committee hearings on video, look for bill amendments, and track the progress of issues you are interested in here in Tennessee? Gary is offering 90-minute Zoom sessions to groups across the state to train you to do just that. It's free. Just email your request to watch@tennesseestands.org and let us know that you would like to get something on the schedule. We ask that 10 or more persons be in attendance and there will be time allotted for Q&A. This is what self-governance looks like. No more sitting on the sidelines.

Get ready. So far, we've lamented about our border while states like Texas and Arizona have been grappling with the daily reality of the crisis on the border. But now, we are about to feel the heat here in Tennessee and our Governor apparently has no idea what to do about it. Meanwhile, we are treating our children across the state to live stripteases and arguing that there is nothing we can do about it. I guess children can watch porn now even in a state-funded theatre in Knox County. It sickens me that we do not have men in elected office that understand how to stand against these issues we are facing. Our future is at stake and we had better figure it out quick. I know that we can hold the line in Tennessee. Let's commit ourselves to the task at hand.

We have been notified by state employees and private contractors that the TN Dept of Child Services (DCS) is unlawfully giving the jab to children under their care, funded of course by taxpayer dollars. Title 14, the COVID Protection Bill of 2021, prevents the state or any state agency from mandating or requiring a shot for COVID. Yet, DCS is using state funding to force (or coerce) the shot upon children who find themselves in the system. Volunteers with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) who advocate on behalf of these children while they are in the care of the state have reached out to us to confirm that this is indeed happening. It is really simple. We should expect state agencies to follow the law. Otherwise, what is the point? And we should expect our leaders, in particular Governor Bill Lee, to step up and ensure that agencies under his direction are following the laws passed by our legislature. Call the Governor's office at (615) 741-2001 Call Dr. Deborah Lowen, the Deputy Commissioner of Child Health at (615) 741-8280 Email Dept of Human Services Commissioner Clarence Carter at Clarence.H.Carter@tn.gov Email DCS Commissioner Margi Quin at Commissioner.Margi.Quin@tn.gov