Anti-Occupy Legislation Introduced Into Tennessee General Assembly

State Senator Dolores Gresham of Somerville and State Representative Eric Watson of Cleveland are co-sponsoring legislation (HB 2638 / SB 2508) that would effectively criminalize Occupy encampments and could potentially result in the criminal prosecutions of individuals who are currently occupying the Legislative Plaza in Nashville as well as persons occupying in Knoxville, Memphis, Johnson City, Chattanooga and many other cities across the state of Tennessee in protest of the corporate coup that has taken place in our country.

This legislation is another example of how the iron heel of corporate America is crushing the voices of working families in Tennessee. Last year, the Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation that raised the cap on campaign contributions by corporations by 40% and removed any and all barriers between corporations and our corrupt politicians by allowing corporations to make contributions directly to candidates. Last year the Tennessee General Assembly engaged in vicious attacks on popular organizations like labor unions, looks like this year they have their sights on the Occupy movement.

The anti-Occupy legislation reads:
Criminal Offenses - As introduced, prevents people from living on publicly-owned property not designated for residential use and prohibits people using publicly-owned property from posing a health hazard or threat to the safety and welfare of others. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 12; Title 29; Title 39 and Title 40. 
Want to contact your state rep and urge them to protect the free speech of real people, not corporations? You can find their contact information HERE.

Also, feel free to contact State Senator Dolores Gresham and State Representative Eric Watson and let them know where you stand on the right of the public to assemble and petition their government with their grievances!

State Senator Dolores Gresham
615-741-2368
sen.dolores.gresham@capitol.tn.gov

State Representative Eric Watson
605 Ocoee Hills Circle, Cleveland TN 37323
423-339-0939
615-741-7799
rep.eric.watson@capitol.tn.gov