Rep. Craig Fitzhugh (D-Ripley) announced Monday that he will seek re-election as state representative this fall. House District 82, which Rep. Fitzhugh currently represents, encompasses all of Crockett, Haywood and Lauderdale Counties.
“It has been my privilege to represent the people of House District 82,” said Rep. Fitzhugh. “My wife and I grew up here, we raised our family here and we’ve run a small business here; so I’ve had no greater honor than to represent our home in the legislature.”
Rep. Fitzhugh, a former finance chairman, serves as a member of the Finance, Banking and Utilities, Government Operations, Pensions and Insurance and Calendar and Rules Committees. He currently also serves as the house minority leader.
“Tennessee is a great state," said Rep. Fitzhugh. "We’ve had solid, pro-business leadership from Governors of both parties. I’ve partnered with them to balance budgets, build our rainy day fund and preserve the core services people expect from state government.”
Rep. Fitzhugh has focused his efforts in Nashville on three areas: jobs, education and people. Top legislative priorities have included:
$18,000,000 in new funding secured for Tennessee Technology Centers to update and expand programs.
Tennessee First Act, which would have given Tennessee companies the first shot at state contracts, keeping tax dollars here—not China or Mexico.
Education for All Act, which would have made Pre-Kindergarten available to every Tennessee child.
Jacob Nunely Act, named for a Dyersburg student who passed away from Meningitis, this act is protecting college students from this deadly disease by requiring vaccinations for incoming freshmen.
“Without a doubt, the number one priority of the General Assembly should be fighting for regular people," said Rep. Fitzhugh. "That means a focus on creating jobs, protecting our public schools and helping the elderly and most vulnerable among us. Whether it’s funding for the Megasite in Brownsville so we can attract manufacturing jobs, standing up for public schools and the dedicated men and women who teach or figuring out a way to accept federal funds for expanded access to health care coverage for women, veterans and 300,000 other Tennesseans—I’ve tried to stay true to those core principles.”
Rep. Fitzhugh, a retired major in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, has been married to Pam for 40 years. They have four children: Elizabeth Molder, son-in-law Chaz Molder, Tom and daughter-in-law Windy—all University of Tennessee graduates. Craig and Pam have two grandchildren, Marley Mac and Charles Fitzhugh “Hugh” Molder. Craig is a fourth generation member of Ripley First Baptist Church, where he serves as a deacon. He is the president/CEO of the Bank of Ripley. He has served on numerous community boards and commissions. In his spare time, he enjoys running, spending time with family and cheering on the Volunteers.
“We’ve gotten a lot accomplished over the last two years, but there is still more to do from repealing the food tax to making sure women earn equal pay for equal work," said Rep. Fitzhugh. "I hope to continue as your state representative and I will work hard everyday to earn your vote.”