CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Democratic candidates for state House and Senate seats spoke on their legislative initiatives as part of their “Cost-Cutting Caravan” tour on Wednesday at the Montgomery County Democratic Party Headquarters on Madison Street. Attending were six candidates: Rep. Ronnie Glynn, Allie Phillips, Garfield Scott and Karen Reynolds, all of Clarksville, with Rep. Harold Love and Rep. John Ray Clemmons, both of Nashville.
Rep. Ronnie Glynn, who is running for re-election in District 67, emphasized the primary goal is to strengthen and rebuild Tennessee’s middle class. He highlighted the importance of initiatives ensuring children have access to meals. “I understand what it means when we take our kids to school and the only meal they have is the lunch that is provided,” he said. Glynn noted the Democratic Party is advocating for universal free lunch across the state.
Allie Phillips, who is running for state House District 75, spoke about raising the minimum wage and childcare, along with universal Pre-K. “Tennessee continues to lag behind. We have an opportunity here to raise our minimum wage, so people can afford their rent and groceries,” she said. As a mother, she highlighted the challenges of finding quality child care, stating, “With the right people in office, we can make this happen.”
Another initiative the Democratic Party is focusing on is affordability of and access to health care. “We have the highest level of medical debt and medical bankruptcies because we do not have enough healthcare,” said Karen Reynolds, who is running for state Senate, District 22. “In our community, if you make $28 an hour with a family of four, you are still below the poverty level,” she said. Reynolds emphasized the urgency to vote for change.
Garfield Scott, who is running for state House District 68, spoke about infrastructure, including issues relating to the roads and traffic. “Our roads are just crumbling apart,” said Scott. “Bad roads, potholes, craters, are just an extra burden on everyday hard-working taxpayers.”
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Rep. Harold Love of Nashville addressed the property tax freeze program which raises the income limit to $60,000, which helps a lot of seniors stay in their homes. “This allows them to avoid the tough decision of paying property taxes and covering household expenses,” said Love. He emphasized his party is committed to supporting the most vulnerable members of the community.
Lastly, state House Caucus Chair John Ray Clemmons of Nashville highlighted investing in middle class families. “Tennessee families are worried about putting food on the table, gas prices and cover prescription costs,” said Clemmons. “We have legislation for that, and our agenda focuses on putting Tennessee families first.”
The caravan tour is set to continue in Nashville, then to West Tennessee later this week.