But House Democrats plan to kill amendment to revoke bonding authority for the project

NASHVILLE, TN – Tennesseans who believe the state should not be spending $8 to $12 million to build a fancy underground ballroom at the official governor’s mansion at the same time the state faces a rapidly growing revenue deficit that may reach $300 million – and is already forcing cutbacks in such things as health services to the mentally disabled – may have one final chance to convince the Legislature to halt the project.

State Rep. Beth Harwell, R-Nashville, has filed an amendment to routine bonding authority legislation which would revoke bonding authority for the ballroom project.

The House Democrat leadership, which was bringing the legislation to the House floor for a vote today, panicked at the Harwell amendment and rolled the bill to Monday night’s session. Additionally, the House Democrat leadership plans to invoke their party’s “Unit Rule,” requiring all Democrat legislators to vote as the leadership wants them to vote - against the Harwell amendment.

“The Tennessee Republican Party, which opposes this wasteful and offensive use of public funds at the same time that truly vital programs face the administration’s budget axe, urges the people of Tennessee to make their voice heard on this issue,” said Robin Smith, Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party.

The Tennessee Republican Party urges Tennesseans who have a Democrat state representative to call, email and fax their legislator to urge them to vote FOR the Harwell amendment.

The TRP is making available below a list of Democrat House members, complete with their contact information. The information will also be posted at the TRP’s new policy-oriented website, www.SolutionsTN.com.

“The people of Tennessee have the weekend to make their voice heard on this issue,” said Smith.

Statehouse Democrats Contact Information (downloadable MSWord file)

Find Your House Member

House Districts Map (click your location to find your district number)
Links to all House members’ official web pages

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