Tennessee Republicans Threaten Memphis Funding Over Gun Control Measures
Tennessee’s top Republican leaders have issued a warning to left-leaning Memphis, threatening to withhold tens of millions of dollars in state funding if the city proceeds with plans to place three local gun control initiatives on the November ballot. The initiatives include requiring permits to carry handguns, banning the possession of AR-15 style rifles, and implementing a “red flag” ordinance.
Despite the risk of backlash from the Republican-dominated Legislature, Memphis city council members have pushed forward with the ballot measures in an effort to give voice to the citizens of the city. However, the state lawmakers have made it clear that they will not allow the initiatives to move forward, citing the Tennessee Constitution and explicit state laws preemption.
The ultimatum from state leaders comes amid a backdrop of increasing tension between Memphis and the Republican supermajority in the Statehouse. Previous legislative actions have loosened gun laws in the state, while also restricting local cities and counties from implementing their own regulations, such as red flag laws.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young responded to the Legislature’s ultimatum by expressing a willingness to work with the state to address the city’s unique challenges with gun violence. Despite ongoing criticism from state lawmakers about crime rates in Memphis, preliminary figures show a decline in reported crime in the city for the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
The standoff between Memphis and the state highlights a broader conflict over local control and gun regulation in Tennessee. The outcome of this dispute will impact not only the city’s ability to address gun violence but also its access to crucial state funding.
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