Griffey Seeks Public Input On COVID Special Session

From State Rep. Bruce Griffey, R-Paris:

“On Tuesday, Oct. 19, a special session was officially declared to begin on Oct. 27 to address COVID related issues.  This is a special session that I and fellow members of the House Republican Caucus have been pushing for several months.  Indeed, on August 11, 2021, I signed a letter to the Governor, requesting and emphasizing the urgent need for a special session, and I even participated in a rally at the Capitol on Sept. 16 to draw attention to this need.  Our efforts have proven successful, and it’s now time for the voices of Tennesseans to be heard.

“Since being sworn into office in January 2019, I have routinely sought feedback from constituents on numerous issues – particularly in relation to issues that draw differing opinions on opposite sides.  At the beginning of August, one issue about which I received quite a bit of communication from constituents was mask policies in schools.  In anticipation of a special session and wanting to have a better understanding of the majority opinion of my district, I conducted a poll as to whether my constituents support or oppose a school mask mandate with 70% indicating they opposed it and 30% responding that they supported it.  I now want to receive even greater feedback from my constituents.

“I have always firmly believed that government works for the people and legislators serve at the pleasure of their constituents to be their constituents’ voice – not their own personal voice or the voice of lobbyists — at the Capitol.  I vote in line with the majority opinion of my district because that is what I was elected to do and it is incumbent upon me to do so.  For these reasons, I am seeking input from my constituents as to additional Covid related issues – vaccine mandates, vaccine passports, restraining the Governor’s emergency powers, challenging overreach by the federal government, etc. I am also seeking input from constituents as to what legislation they would like to see proposed.

“Please participate in my online poll at https://repbrucegriffey7917.survey.fm/poll-on-covid-issues-for-tn-special-legislative-session? or email your thoughts to Rep.Bruce.Griffey@Capitol.TN.gov<mailto:Rep.Bruce.Griffey@Capitol.TN.gov> .  The issues that the legislature will be addressing beginning on Oct. 27 should be directly in the hands of voters to decide, and I believe it is the obligation of the legislature to solicit, listen to and abide by the will of the majority of Tennesseans.  After all, in the great words of Abraham Lincoln, ‘Democracy is a government of the people, by the people and for the people.”