Press Release from Rep. Antonio “2 Shay” Parkinson; March 31, 2011:
Passes first piece of legislation; will curb drug abuse
(Nashville) — Antonio “2 Shay” Parkinson officially joined the Tennessee House of Representatives Thursday morning and afterward passed his first piece of legislation.
Parkinson (D-Memphis) filled the 98th House District seat vacated by the late Rep. Ulysses Jones, Jr. Parkinson won the Democratic primary several months ago but has now assumed the position on a permanent basis after winning the March 8 general election certification.
“I am honored to serve the people of District 98, Memphis, and the state of Tennessee,” Parkinson said. “I’m also glad to share this day with my mother. She and I have been homeless together. But, we have overcome the hard times. And, I stand here today as a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives.”
Parkinson received the oath of office in the House Chamber located on the second floor of the state Capitol in Nashville.
Parkinson passed a bill creating a Class A misdemeanor offense for the production, manufacture, distribution or possession of additional synthetic cannabinoids.
“This is an important bill that will stop our young people from going down the wrong road of drug abuse,” Parkinson said.
Parkinson has been appointed by the House Speaker to serve on the Children and Family Affairs and State and Local Government committees.
