Candidate Directory
Eddie Smith
House District13
Incumbent
Republican
Knoxville
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https://twitter.com/RepEddieSmith
Candidate is running in a contested General Election.
SURVEY QUESTIONS
Would you support or oppose legislation that would prohibit abortion except when necessary to prevent the death of the mother?
Support
Would you support or oppose legislation that would make sexual orientation a new protected class under Tennessee’s civil rights laws?
Oppose
Would you support or oppose legislation that would make gender identity/expression a new protected class under Tennessee’s civil rights laws?
Oppose
Would you support or oppose a bill to amend Tennessee’s marriage statute to expressly authorize the issuance of marriage licenses to two people of the same sex?
Oppose
Would you support or oppose legislation that would establish a $15 per hour minimum wage in Tennessee?
Oppose
Do you support or oppose the proposition that a person should be allowed by law to use the bathroom or locker room that corresponds to the gender they identify with?
Oppose
Would you support or oppose a law creating the office of Solicitor General, a lawyer to serve as the state’s advocate in the court systems, to be appointed by the General Assembly?
Support
Do you support or oppose the U.S. Department of Justice redefining the word “sex” to also include gender identity for purposes of Title VII and Title IX?
Oppose
Would you support or oppose legislation, like Insure Tennessee, that would expand Medicaid coverage in TN beyond the Medicaid eligible population?
Undecided
Would you support or oppose legislation that would prohibit state courts or any local government from ordering a privately owned business to participate in activities associated with solemnization or celebration of a marriage through the provision of goods or services if participating would violate their beliefs regarding the nature of marriage?
Support
Do you support or oppose the legalization of marijuana for recreational use?
Oppose
Would you support or oppose legislation to award all of Tennessee’s Electors in a presidential election to the Party of the candidate who wins the national popular vote?
Oppose
Do you support or oppose the legalization of horse racing tracks in Tennessee at which bets can be placed on races?
Oppose
Would you support or oppose a nominee to the TN Supreme Court if there is credible evidence that the nominee believes the state or federal constitution should be viewed or interpreted as a “living” document?
Oppose
ESSAY QUESTIONS
Explain your view of state government’s role in relation to economic growth and/or job creation.
Government should create an environment for businesses to thrive, or an environment to oppress business growth. Tennessee should continue to create the environment to allow businesses to thrive, through a healthy balance of low taxes, an educated workforce, and taxpayer-friendly government incentives.
Explain your views regarding the roles state government and parents have in elementary and secondary education.
State government has a degree of responsibility for providing some funding for education, but the majority rests with the local community, in order to continue to ensure that the vast majority of decisions are made at the local level. Likewise, parents have a responsibility to help their children and be engaged with local school boards, where decisions should be made.
What is one of the most satisfying things you have ever done or accomplished and what made it so satisfying to you?
One of the most satisfying things for me is HB1484, which increased the penalties for bus drivers convicted of driving and texting. Realizing our children are our greatest resource, it is imperative that distractions are limited and our children's safety comes first.
What personal qualities or experiences do you think will best serve you in your role as a state legislator?
Leading and managing volunteers, and working with people, through my experiences in the community have enabled me to listen, learn, and work with the vast and diverse constituency that I represent.
What bill passed in the last General Assembly that you would have voted against and why, or what bill did not pass in the last General Assembly that you wish had passed and why?
One bill that did not pass, that I wish had passed was my small business bill would have given a tax break to any new, small business or startup. This would have been the equivalent of a $7,500 tax credit over two years, to a new small business or startup that employees 25 or less employees within their first two years. Realizing that small businesses make up over 80% of all businesses in the state, it is imperative that we encourage small business development in our state. We know that the more jobs and businesses that are created in our state expands the tax base, eliminating the need to raise taxes on our citizens, while continuing to invest in jobs, economic growth, and local communities.
