State Rep. Dan Howell announced on Wednesday that he will seek re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 2018.
The upcoming legislative session will mark Rep. Howell’s fourth year as a member of the General Assembly. In 2017, he fought to save tourism in southeast Tennessee by sponsoring passage of House Bill 74. This initiative creates the Ocoee River Recreation and Economic Development Fund to support recreational water releases on America's most popular whitewater venue — the Ocoee River — with management by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
“The Ocoee has an extraordinary history in our community, our state, and the entire southeastern region of our country,” said Rep. Howell. “It was an honor to sponsor passage of a groundbreaking initiative that ensures its survival and also guarantees that our local economy will continue to thrive.”
Rep. Howell supported community development in 2017 by cosponsoring the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act. It expands broadband internet services across the state, especially to Tennessee’s rural areas that currently completely lack coverage through business investment and deregulation. Coupled with the state budget, the legislation makes targeted investments through grants and tax credits that focus on the state’s unserved areas.
Additionally, Rep. Howell sponsored passage of the Program Integrity Act of 2017. This initiative provides further tools for the Tennessee Department of Human Services in order to crack down on welfare fraud in Tennessee.
Finally, Rep. Howell secured various grants and assisted with the funding of key projects in his community during the first half of the 110th Tennessee General Assembly. They include:
· $415,050 in transportation grants for the City of Ducktown from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).
· $525,000 in funding for industrial infrastructure improvements within Meigs County.
· Assisting Bradley County in its efforts to obtain revenue to fund the infrastructure for Spring Branch Industrial Park.
“These grants and additional sources of funding are essential in order for our communities to continue their economic growth and prosperity,” said Rep. Howell. “I am pleased that they will advance vital projects that will benefit our residents right here in District 22.”
Officials said, "Under Republican leadership, Rep. Howell and his colleagues in the General Assembly have cut nearly three times as much in taxes as any other Administration and General Assembly in state history over the last seven years. Additionally, Tennessee has the lowest debt per capita, lowest overall taxes, no transportation debt, and the lowest interest rate in state recorded history. House Republicans have also more than doubled the state’s savings account (Rainy Day Fund) since 2011, and the fund is now at its highest level ever. Recently, WalletHub ranked Tennessee the number 1 state to be a taxpayer, based on our conservative monetary decisions, our low tax structure, and other key fiscal indicators. Other studies rank us similarly. Representative Howell is proud of Tennessee’s progress in recent years and will continue his efforts to make our state a desirable destination for businesses and families."
Rep. Howell said, “I renew my pledge to the hardworking men, women and families of our community to support conservative policies that make Tennessee one of the best places in the nation to live, work, play, and raise a family. I will continue my unwavering support to protect the rights of the unborn, as well as our First and Second Amendment rights. It is a privilege to serve the citizens of our communities, and I will continue to do so with honesty and integrity."
Rep. Howell is grateful to the residents of District 22 for the trust they have placed in him as he works to advance Tennessee. He is grateful for the opportunity to serve as their voice in Nashville — now and in future years — and welcomes their feedback, ideas, and opinions.
Rep. Howell serves as the chairman of the Joint Government Operations Judiciary & Government Subcommittee and as the Vice-Chairman of the House Local Government Committee. He is also a member of the House Government Operations and Joint Government Operations Committees, as well as the House Local Government Subcommittee. He lives in Georgetown and represents House District 22, which includes Meigs, Polk, and part of Bradley counties. He can be reached by email at: Rep.Dan.Howell@capitol.tn.gov or by calling 615 741-7799.