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Here’s how starkly different the reactions have been to Gov. Lee’s special session.

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Gov. Bill Lee authorized $5 million for food bank aid amid continued SNAP delays. That averages about $7 per SNAP beneficiary.
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Gov. Bill Lee’s call for a special session on guns and public safety has been met with strong reactions across a wide range of the political spectrum.

Some are upset that the framing of the special session is too vague, or that it opens up issues that are not directly related to the shooting at The Covenant School in March.

Parents from the school gathered Wednesday morning to thank the governor for calling the special session. But Sarah Shoop Neumann says they’re skeptical whether meaningful policy changes on gun control can be made.

“We understand the frustration that some people have said that they don’t feel that it has gone far enough. However, after having over 50 meetings with legislators and where those conversations started, we feel like it could’ve been a lot less,” said Neumann.

They’re hoping for more restrictions on guns to prevent another school shooting. Another provision they’re hoping the legislature will address is the safe storage of firearms. 

While the Covenant families held a press conference most of the groups and lawmakers made posts instead.

The Tennessee Firearms Association posted a link on social media and created a lengthy review of the governor’s proclamation that ultimately suggests a special session was not needed to address most of the issues. They claim most of the things Lee wants addressed should be given more time than what’s expected when lawmakers meet the week of Aug. 21.

Meanwhile, the National Association for Gun Rights called on the General Assembly to censure the governor and adjourn immediately.

Here are a few more who took to social media to share their reactions.

The Tennessee chapters of Moms Demand Action asked leaders to “reject efforts to weaken the state’s gun laws and instead find common ground on policies.”

Reaction from legislators

 

Blaise Gainey, Political Reporter

Blaise Gainey is the youngest of three siblings, husband and father of two. He previously held the State Government Reporter position for WFSU News in Tallahassee. He is from Apopka, Fla., and graduated from The School of Journalism at the Florida A&M University. He previously worked for The Florida Channel and WTXL-TV. He is excited to move to another capital and report on state government. In his spare time, he enjoys watching sports, outdoor activities and enjoying family time.

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