Murfreesboro, TN - A "live" political forum is scheduled for 8:10-9:00AM this coming Monday (7/1/2024) morning on WGNS. State House of Representative candidates in the Republican Primary for the 34th district will be there: incumbent Tim Rudd and his opponent Tucker Marcum will share how they feel about questions that are sent via text to the broadcast. 

WGNS' Scott Walker will serve as moderator of Monday morning's forum, and he stressed, "All questions must be wrtten so that each candidate can answer it."

He stressed, "The radio forum is designed to create a conversational atmosphere in which the public can learn how candidates feel about certain issues."

Security Grant Money for Religious Organizations

In the meantime, State Representative Rudd announced that grant funds to cover the expenses of security at religious organizations is now available on a "first come basis". 

The competitive grant is administered by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security to assist houses of worship in hiring trained security professionals.

“The freedom of all Tennesseans to worship can often be taken for granted,” Rudd said. “Far too often, criminals attempt to subvert this right with threats and actions that put congregants in harm's way. This funding will play an important role in protecting our religious freedom, and I encourage all eligible houses of worship in Rutherford County to apply.”

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving as houses of worship can receive up to $100,000 under the grant program. Trained security professionals funded through this program can help respond in emergency situations and prevent tragedies before they happen.

All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on July 12. Instructions on how to apply can be found on the Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s website, https://www.tn.gov/safety/homelandsecurity/grants.html.

The General Assembly devoted $750,000 to fund the Houses of Worship Security Grant as part of its $52.8 billion zero-debt balanced budget that was passed in April. Republican priorities include significant investments in rural and behavioral health care, school safety, education and public safety.

State Rep. Tim Rudd represents House District 34, which includes part of Rutherford County. He is chairman of the Elections and Campaign Finance Subcommittee. He also serves on the Insurance Committee, Local Government Committee, Transportation Committee, Insurance Subcommittee, and Property and Planning Subcommittee.

Political Forum 8:10-9:00AM this Monday

Again, WGNS is broadcasting a political forum this coming Monday morning (7/1/2024) from 8:10-9:00AM. Both candidates will have the opportunity to answer questions that are sent via text to the broadcast. Text questions to 615-893-1450.