Dear Editor,

Gov. Bill Haslam has called for a special session that will begin this Monday, Sept. 12, so members of the General Assembly can reverse a vote taken during the legislative session this year.

Due to the rushed manner in which Republican leadership pushes through their legislative agenda, the officials responsible for correctly informing legislators how much their legislation will cost taxpayers failed to note that changing the DUI laws in Tennessee could cost the state $60 million in road funding.

In order to avoid losing this $60 million that our local economies and crumbling transportation infrastructure system so badly need, taxpayers are now on the hook for another $25,000 per day for a special session necessitated by yet another example of failed Republican leadership.

When I heard this, I was puzzled. I found myself asking this question: If a special session can be called to protect $60 million for roads, then why wouldn’t Republican leadership do the same to address an issue that’s prevented working families from receiving over $2.5 billion in federal tax reimbursements for healthcare in 2016 alone?

I’m talking about Insure Tennessee, a plan proposed by Gov. Bill Haslam, a Republican just like the incumbent I’m seeking to replace.

Since initially introduced in 2015, radical conservatives like my opponent have failed to allow Insure Tennessee to the House floor for a vote. They are effectively sending our hard-earned tax dollars to states like California and others.

Had Insure Tennessee passed, you would not have paid one more red cent in taxes. Meanwhile, your neighbors in the coverage gap would have gotten access to health care and rural hospitals across the state may have remained open.

Based on independent reports, passing Insure Tennessee would have generated over $1 billion in new purchasing power in our state’s economy – through the estimated 15,000 jobs created statewide. Wilson, DeKalb and Cannon counties would have felt the ripple effect of workers’ money going back into our local towns, as well as through the hiring of vendors and suppliers.

Because of Mark Pody and his fellow Republicans, Insure Tennessee did not pass, and seven rural hospitals have closed. Thousands have lost their jobs and access to nearby emergency medical services.

So my question for Mark Pody is this: Where was your fiscal responsibility and concern for the working families of District 46, where over 7,500 people in the coverage gap suffer without health insurance?  If you are going to run a campaign titled “Standing Strong on Principles,” then you need to explain to the working men and women of this district what and whose principles you're following? Your friends in leadership, Jeremy Durham and Glen Casada?   

When I am elected, I will not allow $2.7 million of our tax dollars to be sent to other states per day. I will be a true fiscal conservative with my constituents' tax dollars and take a principled stand to make sure that the working families of District 46 have access to affordable and quality healthcare.

Sincerely,

Amelia Morrison Hipps

Candidate for District 46