Pamela Furr on Tennessee Freedom & Grassroots Action

Pamela Furr and Lonnie Spivak.

On this episode of the You're So Right podcast, host Lonnie Spivak welcomed Pamela Furr, the Middle Tennessee Grassroots Director for Americans for Prosperity (AFP), to discuss critical issues affecting Tennesseans and the broader political landscape. Recorded on March 31, 2025, this episode offers a compelling mix of local policy insights, grassroots activism, and a call to action that extends beyond state lines. If you’re passionate about limited government, fiscal responsibility, and citizen engagement, this conversation is a must-listen.

A Tennessee-Focused Mission

Lonnie kicks off the episode by introducing Pamela and the mission of Americans for Prosperity, a premier grassroots organization dedicated to empowering individuals to pursue the American dream through policies that prioritize small government and personal freedom. Pamela eloquently sums up AFP’s ethos, quoting Tennessee State Director Torie Venable: “We fight for a small government that can fit inside the Constitution.” It’s a line that resonates deeply with Tennesseans who value their state’s legacy of fiscal conservatism.

The discussion quickly turns to a hot topic in the Tennessee legislature: Senate Joint Resolution 1 (SJR1). This proposed constitutional amendment aims to permanently ban a statewide property tax, a provision currently set at zero but lurking in the state constitution as a potential revenue tool. Pamela explains that while local property taxes remain untouched—funding essentials like schools and first responders—the goal is to eliminate the state’s ability to impose its own levy. “We want to get it out of the Constitution, ban it once and for all,” she says, highlighting the proactive approach to prevent future tax hikes during emergencies.

Lonnie, with his decades-long background in media and politics, connects this effort to Tennessee’s history of resisting taxation. He recalls the 1990s protests against a state income tax, a defining moment that shaped his own political journey. The episode paints a vivid picture of Tennesseans rallying—honking horns and storming the Capitol—to secure a constitutional ban on income tax, a victory Pamela and AFP hope to replicate with SJR1.

The Legislative Journey

Amending the Tennessee Constitution is no small feat, and Pamela breaks down the process: SJR1 passed with a simple majority last session and now needs a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers this year. If successful, it’ll appear on the 2026 ballot during the gubernatorial election, requiring a majority of votes exceeding the governor’s total plus one. Lonnie and Pamela express optimism about its passage, given Tennessee’s Republican supermajority, though they acknowledge skepticism about Democratic support. “When has a Democrat ever said we don’t want to raise your taxes?” Pamela quips, sparking a chuckle from Lonnie.

Beyond SJR1: AFP’s Broader Agenda

The conversation doesn’t stop at property taxes. Pamela highlights other AFP victories and ongoing efforts in Tennessee:

• School Choice: A recent legislative win, with scholarships soon available for parents via the state Department of Education.

• Legislative Transparency: A new requirement for recorded votes in House committees, ensuring constituents know how their representatives stand.

• Eminent Domain Reform: A bill to prevent organizations from seizing well-maintained properties under the guise of neighborhood blight.

• Civil Asset Forfeiture: Legislation to eliminate a $350 fee for retrieving seized property when no crime has been committed.

These initiatives reflect AFP’s commitment to protecting individual rights and holding government accountable—a theme Lonnie enthusiastically endorses.

A National Perspective: Wisconsin’s Supreme Court Race

In an unexpected twist, Pamela shifts focus to Wisconsin, where a state Supreme Court election on April 1, 2025, could ripple across the nation. With an open seat up for grabs, the race pits a liberal candidate against conservative Brad Schimmel. The stakes? A potential redistricting decision that could flip two U.S. House seats from Republican to Democratic, shrinking the GOP’s slim House majority. “We’re screwed if that happens,” Lonnie warns, emphasizing the fragility of congressional control.

AFP Tennessee is stepping up by hosting phone banks to support Schimmel, and Pamela invites listeners to join the effort. “I’ll buy you food, I’ll buy you a beer,” she promises, blending humor with a serious call to action. It’s a testament to AFP’s grassroots muscle—connecting local volunteers to national outcomes.

Nashville’s Property Tax Fight

Back home, Pamela and Lonnie tackle a brewing battle in Davidson County. Mayor Freddie O’Connell and the Metro Council are eyeing another property tax hike, hot on the heels of a 34% increase that stung homeowners and renters alike. “Give us some time, for crying out loud,” Pamela pleads, echoing the frustration of residents facing rising valuations and tax bills. She hints at a budding resistance movement, partnering with figures like Ben Cunningham of the Nashville Tax Revolt, and Lonnie teases upcoming episodes with a tax assessor and an economist to dissect the issue further.

Get Involved

The episode wraps with a heartfelt plug for engagement. Pamela’s social handle (@PamelaFurr) and phone number (615-308-7013) are shared, alongside AFP’s website (americansforprosperity.org). Whether it’s fighting local tax hikes, supporting SJR1, or making calls for Wisconsin, she emphasizes how easy it is to make a difference. Lonnie echoes the sentiment, directing listeners to his own platforms (@LonnieSpivak) and the podcast’s YouTube, Rumble, and audio feeds.

Final Thoughts

This You’re So Right episode is a masterclass in blending local grit with national stakes. Lonnie’s folksy charm and Pamela’s policy passion create a dynamic dialogue that informs and inspires. From banning statewide property taxes to safeguarding congressional majorities, it’s clear that Tennessee’s grassroots activists aren’t just playing defense—they’re shaping the future. Tune in, get involved, and, as Pamela might say, grab a bourbon while you’re at it. After all, in Tennessee, freedom’s worth fighting for.