S04 E05 The Loyal Opposition: Tennessee Politics, Rights, and Organizing Everywhere with Luis Mata and Megan Lange - A Don’t Miss Show

Hosts Len Assante and Michele Harbin welcomes Sumner County Democratic Party Chair Megan Lange and Deputy Executive Director and Communications Director of the Tennessee Democratic Party Luis Mata. Len starts off with a recap of last week’s political news including criticism of Rep. Johnny Garrett’s HB 2036, which would bar naturalized citizens from running for federal office; the hosts call it unconstitutional and describe it as attention-seeking and aimed at gaining favor with Trump. The conversation covers several Tennessee bills: HB 5 proposing fines up to $5 million related to harming an unborn fetus via abortion pills and raising concerns about legal precedent; a Senate bill ending tenure for new higher-education faculty starting July 1 and creating uncertainty for current tenure-track contracts; and HB 884 expanding restrictions on drag performances by placing them under adult-oriented establishment definitions. The hosts argue lawmakers should focus on core issues like education, healthcare, wages, unemployment, and transportation infrastructure rather than culture-war legislation.

Deputy Executive Director and Communications Director of the Tennessee Democratic Party Luis Mata joins, sharing his background immigrating from Mexico in 2000, growing up in East Tennessee, and being drawn into organizing due to barriers faced as a non-citizen (including in-state tuition and financial aid restrictions). He describes his organizing philosophy, the importance of inclusion, and the idea of bringing “a folding chair” if there’s no seat at the table. The panel discusses fear among Democratic voters and candidates about openly expressing support, and Luis emphasizes varied “spectrum of engagement” entry points for participation. Megan reports on a Sumner County Library Board meeting prompted by Secretary of State Trey Hargett’s letter urging review/removal of books; she notes 53 titles were submitted for reconsideration, including a children’s book about an elderly tortoise processing grief. Luis outlines Tennessee Democratic Party priorities under Chair Rachel Campbell’s leadership, emphasizing “organize everywhere so we can compete and win everywhere,” noting all 95 counties now have organized and active local Democratic parties. Candidate recruitment and support are highlighted, with instructions for prospective candidates to contact stillblue@sumnerdems.org (Sumner County) or comms@tndp.org (elsewhere) and to identify a strong personal “why” for running.

SUBSCRIBE!! Don’t miss an episode of The Loyal Opposition. We can be found on all the streaming and podcast platforms or on our website.

To learn more or to support the Sumner County Democratic Party, please visit their website:

www.stillblue@sumnerdems.org

Tennessee Democratic Party: TNDP.org

Visit our website: www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the

current political environment. You will find:

- Easy link to email your Representatives,

- Upcoming take action events,

- A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things,

- Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers.

We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our

show.

https://www.theloyalopposition.online/

Please support our advertisers and sponsors:

Law Office of Amanda J. Gentry

AmandaJGentry.com

Artemis CPA

https://artemis.cpa/

S04 E04 The Loyal Opposition: An Incredible Rundown of Governor Lee’s Broken Promises Then Meet Joni Cochrane, Candidate for TN Senate District 17

Great show this week! This episode features an engaging interview with Joni Cochran, candidate for State Senate District 17, who talks about her motivations and plans for change. Additionally, hosts Len and Michele focus on Governor Lee's unfulfilled promises from his previous state address. They highlight key issues facing Tennesseans, including the lack of new daycare spots, failed initiatives like the $60 million starter home fund, and soaring costs in housing, healthcare, and childcare. They also discuss the alarming statistics on violent crime and gunshot fatalities among children in Tennessee, underfunded public schools, and the struggle of families to meet basic needs due to high living costs. Additionally, Michele shares her journey into real estate, offering new insights and plans for future updates.

SUBSCRIBE!! Don’t miss an episode of The Loyal Opposition. We can be found wherever you get your podcasts.

To learn more or to support Joni please visit her website:

https://www.jonicochranfortennessee.com/

Visit our website: www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the

current political environment. You will find:

- Easy link to email your Representatives,

- Upcoming take action events,

- A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things,

- Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers.

We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our

show.

https://www.theloyalopposition.online/

Please support our advertisers and sponsors:

Law Office of Amanda J. Gentry

AmandaJGentry.com

Artemis CPA

https://artemis.cpa/

The Loyal Opposition S04 E02

Conversation with Journalist Ren Brabenec - Addressing State Concerns on Gun Control to the Impact of AI on Electricity Bills

In this episode of The Loyal Opposition, host Len Assante provides a critical look at a range of pressing issues facing Sumner County and beyond. The show opens by addressing a significant rise in children spending nights in Department of Children’s Services offices and a controversial Republican bill concerning public hearings for energy company acquisitions. Len discusses Governor Lee’s private school voucher scheme, highlighting its inequities and inefficiencies.

Special guest freelance journalist Ren Brabenec joins the conversation, sharing insights on gun rights and control and discussing his latest works. Brabenec delves into corporate influence over gun policies and stresses the importance of community actions in tackling gun violence. The episode also touches on rising electricity bills due to AI and data centers, emphasizing the need for local community awareness and holistic assessments of new projects. Tune in for in- depth discussions, breaking news, and engaging commentary on these critical topics.

Visit our website: www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the current political environment. You will find: - Easy link to email your Representatives, - Upcoming take action events, - A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things, - Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers. We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show.

https://www.theloyalopposition.online/

Please support our advertisers and sponsors:

Law Office of Amanda J. Gentry AmandaJGentry.com

Artemis CPAhttps://artemis.cpa/