People want the opportunity to work hard and earn a living they can be proud of. That means bringing in businesses that offer good-paying jobs, supporting local employers, and investing in workforce development and trade programs. Not everyone needs a four-year degree, and we should respect and support paths that lead directly to stable, well-paying careers. Additionally, Tennessee is long overdue to implement its own minimum wage. We are one of only five states in the country without one. That needs to change. 

Access to quality healthcare shouldn’t depend on where you live. In rural Tennessee, we’ve seen hospitals close and services reduced, forcing families to travel farther for care.

When care is farther away, outcomes get worse, existing hospitals become overwhelmed with patients, and it causes long wait times in the ER. It’s that simple. 

As a cancer survivor, this issue is deeply personal to me. I will work to close the coverage gap and make sure people in our communities can get the care they need, when they need it. Quality healthcare is a right, not a privilege. 

Furthermore, the floor for people to qualify for TennCare needs to be raised. This will allow more people access to go to a doctor. 

Improving access isn’t just about hospitals—it’s also about what happens before someone ever gets there. In rural areas, emergencies like sepsis can turn deadly quickly, especially when distance is a factor.

That’s why I support expanding EMS training to allow life-saving treatments like antibiotics to be administered on ambulances. This is already happening in Hawkins County, and it’s the kind of practical solution we should be expanding statewide.

Access to quality healthcare shouldn’t depend on where you live. In rural Tennessee, we’ve seen hospitals close and services reduced, forcing families to travel farther for care.

When care is farther away, outcomes get worse, existing hospitals become overwhelmed with patients, and it causes long wait times in the ER. It’s that simple. 

As a cancer survivor, this issue is deeply personal to me. I will work to close the coverage gap and make sure people in our communities can get the care they need, when they need it. Quality healthcare is a right, not a privilege. 

Furthermore, the floor for people to qualify for TennCare needs to be raised. This will allow more people access to go to a doctor. 

Improving access isn’t just about hospitals—it’s also about what happens before someone ever gets there. In rural areas, emergencies like sepsis can turn deadly quickly, especially when distance is a factor.

That’s why I support expanding EMS training to allow life-saving treatments like antibiotics to be administered on ambulances. This is already happening in Hawkins County, and it’s the kind of practical solution we should be expanding statewide.

Safe, reliable roads are essential for daily life. They connect people to work, school, healthcare, and opportunity. In many parts of our district, infrastructure has been overlooked for too long. I will advocate for smart investments in our roads and infrastructure so our communities can grow and function the way they should.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, but it often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Too many people in our communities feel overwhelmed, isolated, or stretched thin trying to keep up with everyday life.

The truth is, mental health is connected to the cost of living. It’s hard to talk about mental health when you’re worried about how you’re going to afford groceries or keep the lights on. When families are struggling to pay bills, keep a roof over their heads, and put food on the table, the stress adds up quickly. When those basic needs are secure, people can breathe a little easier.

At the same time, we need to expand access to mental health services, especially in schools and rural areas, and make sure people can get help without stigma or long delays. Taking care of mental health means addressing both the pressures people face and making sure support is there when they need it.

People want the opportunity to work hard and earn a living they can be proud of. That means bringing in businesses that offer good-paying jobs, supporting local employers, and investing in workforce development and trade programs. Not everyone needs a four-year degree, and we should respect and support paths that lead directly to stable, well-paying careers. Additionally, Tennessee is long overdue to implement its own minimum wage. We are one of only five states in the country without one. That needs to change.