State Rep. Dan Howell, R-Georgetown, has announced his decision to seek re-election to the Tennessee House District 22 seat, which encompasses a majority of Bradley County and all of Meigs and Polk counties.
“It has been a distinct honor to represent the families of our community and to carry your voices to the State House,” said Howell in a released statement. “Thanks to the encouragement from my constituents and after thoughtful discussions with my family and loved ones, I am once again declaring my candidacy for the Republican nomination for State Representative.”
Howell, whose background includes a career as a media professional and Executive Assistant to Bradley County Mayor D. Gary Davis, was first elected to the District 22 seat in 2014.
In his re-election announcement, Howell states he “has consistently worked to fulfill promises made and to meet requests from constituents on ways to improve state government.”
Howell said he seeks to protect the First Amendment rights of licensed, faith-based counselors in private practice through House Bill 1840, which proposes that those counselors shall not “be required to counsel or serve a client as to goals, outcomes, or behaviors that conflict with a sincerely held religious belief” of the counselor or therapist. Such refusal shall not be the basis for a civil cause of action or criminal prosecution, according to the bill.
Other recent legislative efforts include bills proposing increased penalties for welfare fraud and greater financial accountability by the Department of Human Services, Howell said.
“It is imperative that our state continues to uphold the conservative reforms that have helped us see such remarkable progress, both economically and educationally, over the last several years.”
Contact staff writer Paul Leach at 423-757-6481 or pleach@timesfreepress.com.