Issue Position: Northeast Tennessee

Issue Position

Sometimes, we take it for granted -- myself included. We live in an incredible part of the country, and one of the most beautiful areas of the state. If you've lived here for any length of time, it's sometimes easy to overlook the mountains, streams and rivers. Our region is a stunning mosaic of natural resources and beauty, and at times we just don't appreciate all we have.

There are other things we too often take for granted -- our schools and infrastructure, for example. Here in East Tennessee, our schools are strong and our infrastructure is good. Yes, there is work to do, but in so many other regions, people wake up forced to send their kids to failing schools.

As a state we have a balanced budget, no road debt, and fully funded state pension plans (creating zero liability for taxpayers). Most of us in state government "get it." And by "it" I mean that government does not create jobs. People do -- by investing capital and committing resources.

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