Issues

Tennessee Jobs & Our Economy

Since I began my career in public service one thing has remained constant: I have fought every step of the way to make Tennessee’s economy the strongest it could be.  Job growth must be the top priority for the next Governor.  As the owner of a small business, I know how difficult it is for startup and small businesses to operate in today’s dismal economic environment.

Taxes

A pro-jobs economy must have low taxes and limited regulation.  Under my leadership, the Senate passed the largest tax cut in Tennessee history by cutting the sales tax on food.  We also established a permanent sales tax holiday for back-to-school items as well as computers and a wide array of goods used by every citizen. I also stood up and fought to eliminate the state income tax in Tennessee, allowing hard working Tennesseans to keep more of what they earn rather than be forced to hand it over to state government.

Healthcare

The Federal Government, under the Obama Administration, passed a trillion dollar government takeover of our health care system.  Obamacare will take away patients’ choice by increasing cost and decreasing access and quality to medical care in this country.  Worse, Obamacare pushes an unconstitutional unfunded mandate down on our state, to the tune of $250 million that the taxpayers of Tennessee are expected to shoulder.  I am resolutely against this encroachment of our state sovereignty and I am committed to fighting it and pushing back on an increasingly out of control Washington.

Education

The key to a successful life is a sound education.  Under my leadership as Lt. Governor, the Senate has funded K-12 education to an extraordinary degree, given the challenges which face our budget.

Life

Tennesseans deserve a Governor with a proven record of fighting to protect the unborn.  Under my leadership, the Senate has again passed legislation to restore the voice of the voters when it comes to commonsense abortion restrictions.

2nd Amendment

The right to self-defense is among our most basic rights.  In 1997, I dramatically improved our state’s right-to-carry law by streamlining the application process so honest, law-abiding citizens would not have to wait up to a year to receive their permit.

Conservation

As the owner of a lifetime sportsman license, I am very concerned that we preserve Tennessee’s beautiful wildlife areas for future hunters and fishermen.  Conservation of the land is necessary so it can be enjoyed by the next generation of Tennesseans who love the outdoors.