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Expelling Tennessee Lawmakers Is ‘Stain on our Democracy’ Says NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan

News Category: Statements and Press Releases

For Immediate Release:

APRIL 7, 2023

Contact: Estevan Ginsburg (NewDEAL), 202-660-1340 x6, estevan@newdealleaders.org

Expelling Tennessee Lawmakers Is ‘Stain on our Democracy’ Says NewDEAL CEO

Debbie Cox Bultan

Washington, D.C. – In response to Republican Tennessee state legislators voting to expel Representatives Justin Jones (Nashville) and Justin Pearson (Memphis) last night, NewDEAL Leader CEO Debbie Cox Bultan released the following statement:

“The unprecedented action taken by an extreme MAGA Republican supermajority in the Tennessee House of Representatives is a clear abuse of power, and a terrible stain on our democracy.”

“It is an outrage to remove duly elected representatives for exercising their right to free speech and participating in a peaceful protest calling for gun safety legislation in the aftermath of the tragic school shooting in Nashville. The fact that the two legislators who were expelled were young Black men – and that Republicans voted against expelling a white legislator involved in the protest – should be of particular concern to everyone who cares about representative democracy.”

“I join NewDEAL state and local elected leaders across the country in calling out these actions as anti-democratic and anti-American, and hope that what transpired will strengthen the resolve of those working to protect our democracy and our freedoms.”

About NewDEAL

NewDEAL supports a network of about 200 state and local officials -- statewide officials, legislators, mayors, council members, and other local leaders across the country -- who are pro-growth progressives. The organization brings together leaders focused on expanding opportunity, helping them develop and spread innovative ideas to spur economic growth that is broadly-earned and sustainable. NewDEAL facilitates the exchange of ideas among its members and connects them with other pro-growth progressive political, policy, and private sector leaders.

NewDEAL's Honorary Co-Chairs are U.S. Senator Chris Coons (DE) and Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10).

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