CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Our Children Deserve Better bus tour stopped at Patriots Park on Saturday, and Tennessee lawmakers, gun reform advocates and concerned citizens spoke about issues in the upcoming special session on gun violence.
Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus Rep. John Ray Clemmons told Clarksville Now they are traveling around the state to encourage people to get on the bus for gun safety.
“People from both sides of the aisle are encouraged to come out and have conversations,” Clemmons said. “Today (Saturday) we had great people on the bus, on both sides of the issue. They spoke on their concerns, and what we’ve heard throughout the state of Tennessee, from people who have a lot of concerns, is that there’s a lot of misinformation out there.
“There’s this false notion that Democrats want to take away firearms, or if they’re on a certain prescription drug, their guns will be taken away. That is all absolutely incorrect, which is why these conversations are so important. All we’re asking for is for an adult conversation and for legislators to do their job,” Clemmons said.
“Allow us to introduce legislation and let’s have a debate. We may pass some stuff, we may not, but the conversation – there’s value to that.”
Clemmons said he’s gained more perspective throughout the experience with the bus tour, and he feels more confident moving into the special session, which is scheduled to begin Aug. 21.
Wesley Irvin contributed to this report.