Protect Conservative Values –    My wife and I are blessed to have both been raised by families who instilled in us the importance of hard work, strong character, all stemming from a Christian faith.  As we raise our daughter, we want to instill these same values and leave for her a country that is stronger than it is today.

Government’s reach into in our schools, churches, our neighborhoods and our wallets should be limited.  Our citizens know best how to uphold the values of our community, protecting life and ending funding for organizations like planned parenthood. As your representative, I will fight to uphold these values that I cherish in our community.  My goal is to protect faith, family and the community we all love.

 

Education Focused on the Future –  Technology is likely the most dynamic force our educational system has ever experienced.  It is more important now than ever before that our schools to be equipped with the resources necessary to keep our children ahead in these rapidly changing times.  To advance the future of TN children, our teachers in all grades must keep up with advanced learning methods that include technology of the future.   On the flip side, not everyone wants to go to college to be a doctor, lawyer or businessman and I support creating and expanding strong vocational paths for students who choose the jobs that keep America running.

Some teens struggle with high school. Not because they are not intelligent. They often are just not interested in books and tests, but have amazing talents to share outside the classroom.  Focusing on workforce readiness whether that’s college or something else is equally important to help students prepare for their future. 

Lastly, our educational curriculum must return to the basics (not political agendas) to help our students to be ready to face what’s at stake in today’s world.  Learning the history of our state and nation through strong civics programs is an important step in developing a generation who is ready to protect and serve the values we hold dear. 

 

Keeping Taxes in Check – We are fortunate to live in a state that continues to keep taxes low and does not have a state income tax.  However, it is important to stay vigilant. We must continue to refrain from unnecessary government spending and leave more money in the hands of the people who earn it.

For twenty years, I’ve owned rental properties in the Knoxville area.  Almost every year, I meet someone moving here from Illinois, California, New Jersey, or some similar blue state.  The reason for moving is universal - they can’t afford to live there anymore and they are tired of liberal values driving costs higher and higher.   We don’t want TN to end up like these states where businesses and people are leaving due to over taxation.  I love where I live and will do all I can to reduce taxes and keep state spending in check to protect our economic freedoms.

 

Responsible Gun Ownership – In the constitution, the right to bear arms is second only to freedom of speech and religion. Our founders witnessed the need to protect themselves and secured this right for each of us to defend our homes. I believe in the right to bear arms and that it’s education and responsible gun ownership that help keep communities safe, not more gun laws that the criminals don’t follow.    

 

Immigration, the Right Way –   I had the honor of writing a letter of recommendation for a man seeking to become a legal US citizen.  We both agreed illegal immigration has become a huge problem in our country.  Many illegal immigrants don’t take the necessary steps to learn what this great country is about and assimilate to our culture and our laws. To continue being a strong nation we must enforce the laws that promote the ideals of America and control our borders. 

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Modernizing Infrastructure– Tennessee has seen steady growth as a manufacturing state the last several years. Our location is ideal for receiving and shipping both raw materials and finished products. That is why it is so important to maintain and strengthen our infrastructure, including highways, services and rural internet.

In order to capitalize on the advantages low taxes and geography already provide, we must continue to maintain and improve our infrastructure to attract new businesses and serve the people of East TN. This will ensure the future of manufacturing in the state and the growth of the many industries that benefit from it.

 

Reducing Unnecessary Regulations – I think we can all agree that some regulation is necessary.  No one wants to be taken advantage of financially or have our environment damaged through unrestricted pollution or a corrupt business.

However, too much regulation from runaway bureaucracies is damaging to our economy, job creation and the ability to innovate.  It becomes a kind of web that stops people from creating solutions because they have been conditioned to fear what government might do to them.  Over regulation leads to stagnation and is harmful to innovation.  Regulation creates barriers for entrepreneurs who may be able bring a new product to market, create jobs or lower the cost of some existing good or service.  I believe in limited government rules to bolster the creativity of our people to drive our economy.  These things are good for all involved.

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Healthcare – The government is too heavily involved in healthcare at every level.   While trying to “protect the consumer’s right to health care coverage”, they have driven increases that far the exceed the normal rate of inflation and made it completely unaffordable to the citizens of Tennessee.  This is a classic example of how too much government involvement artificially increases costs and reduces benefits to the consumers.

Government intervention has been disastrous for the health care industry and even more so for the consumer.  I have watched friends and small business owners struggle to keep up with the out-of-control cost while just trying to take care of basic health needs.

It’s time to get government out of the way and return healthcare to the private market. Let’s sell policies across state lines, put an end to frivolous law suits and allow doctors to treat their patients without having to look over their shoulder and keep our drug costs in check.

 

Justin Lafferty
 

TN House of Representative – District 89