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Republican Party
of Rhea County
P.O. Box 1106
1359 Railroad Street
Dayton, TN 37321
423.775.2118
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| January 14, 2007 |
| Ramsey cites new direction, firm values
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Last Tuesday's vote for a new lieutenant governor and speaker of the Senate has been widely covered for its historic significance in partisan terms. While it is an honor to be the first Republican lieutenant governor since Reconstruction, I think the day should be remembered because it marked the beginning of a new General Assembly where Republicans and Democrats worked together to improve the lives of all Tennessee citizens.
The state Senate has a new sense of direction and purpose, a vision that moves the state forward and is not focused on merely retaining power for its own sake. We will be tested in the months ahead by serious issues, so it is critical that we begin work now.
Our priorities are to encourage a strong economy with good jobs for the people of Tennessee. I believe the way to do that is to create and maintain a business environment free from excessive regulation and government interference.
A strong economy requires a healthy business climate but must also have a world-class education system. We will do everything we can to make that a reality. The executive and legislative branches both have a role to play in increasing graduation rates and the number of children who attend college or technical school.
We will work with the governor and the state House to improve Tennessee's health-care system by bringing down the cost of care. I believe we should take a look at medical malpractice reform as one way to bring down costs and increase access.
There are other issues that need to be addressed. Our state's status as a magnet for illegal immigrants must be addressed by the General Assembly. Our hospitals, schools and other infrastructure simply cannot handle the influx of those who choose to ignore the laws governing legal immigration.
Proposed laws concerning the sanctity of life will also get a fair hearing in the Senate. We will also address a range of fiscal issues, but I want to make clear that a state income tax will not pass the Senate in any form.
I was proud to receive the vote of a Democratic senator who voted her conscience and had the courage to support change. If we avoid partisan rancor, we can achieve much in the upcoming legislative session.
The governor and I have worked well together even though he is of another party. The reforms he proposed to worker's compensation laws in Tennessee would not have passed without the assistance of Senate Republicans.
I also have a good relationship with the speaker of the House. Though we certainly do not agree on every issue, we both want to see sound policy implemented throughout state government. Where we can, we will work together.
However, there will be times when we disagree. My hope is that even when we are engaged in debate over policy differences, we can avoid the unproductive, slash-and-burn tactics seen so frequently on the national political stage.
For several weeks, news media focused on the issue facing the 33 people in the Senate chamber. It is now time to focus on the issues that concern the 6 million Tennesseans we serve. They are the people that get up every day, go to work and take care of their families — they are the people that make this state work. It is an honor to serve them and the new senate will work hard to make our state an even better place for all Tennesseans. |
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| Reprinted from Tennessean.com |
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