State Representative Andrew Farmer To Seek Re-Election In 2020
Criminal Justice Subcommittee Chair prioritizes safe communities; commitment to education
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) — State Representative Andrew Farmer (R-Sevierville) Monday announced he will seek re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 2020.
“It is an incredible honor to serve the men, women and families our community,” said Rep. Farmer. “District 17 and our state are thriving under conservative leadership. Together, I know we will build upon our recent successes and ensure Tennessee remains the envy of our entire nation.”
“I am proud to support my friend Andrew Farmer as he seeks re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives later this year,” said House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland). “Andrew is a powerful voice in our General Assembly for the citizens of his community, and he has done an incredible job addressing the unique needs of the citizens of Jefferson and Sevier Counties, as well as this state.”
Farmer — who was first elected to serve the citizens of District 17 in 2012 — is the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee Chairman, and he has championed efforts to create safe communities in cities and towns across Tennessee. During the first half of the 111th General Assembly, he and his colleagues began initial discussions related to a much larger conversation about overhauling Tennessee’s criminal justice system so we can remain tough on crime and hold violent offenders accountable, but also smart on crime and support those with a strong desire to become productive citizens.
In 2019, Governor Lee and House Leadership asked him to serve as a co-prime sponsor of House Bill 942. This measure builds upon our recent efforts to remain tough on crime by strengthening penalties against fentanyl and synthetic opioid dealers.
“Our drug and opioid crisis continues to evolve, and we must hold those responsible for this scourge accountable,” added Farmer. “I was honored to co-sponsor this important legislation because it will take more dangerous drugs off of our streets. I will continue to fight to improve the health and prioritize the safety of our citizens and all Tennesseans.”
Additionally, Farmer has supported investments that benefit our students, teachers, and schools. This year, he and his colleagues made an historic $11.3 billion total investment in education. This commitment includes:
- $6.6 billion in K-12 funding.
- $186 million in new education dollars.
- Approximately $71 million to fund teacher salaries.
- $39.4 million to fully fund the state’s Basic Education Program to cover growth and inflation in the funding formula.
- An additional $40 million to secure our schools.
- $25 million to expand vocational and technical training opportunities for our future leaders.
Since Farmer was first elected, Jefferson County and Sevier County Schools have seen 21.8 percent and 13.4 percent total increases respectively in Basic Education Program (BEP) funding. According to the Department of Education, BEP instructional funding has also jumped 26.3 percent in Jefferson County and 23.7 percent in Sevier County.
Because of these new resources and additional investments, Tennessee students were recently named the fastest improving in the entire nation across math, reading, and science.
“We have made incredible progress transforming the trajectories of our students in recent years because of our continued commitment to solidifying their academic foundations,” added Farmer. “However, we must continue to build upon our progress; I remain committed to increasing resources to support our educators, expanding access to vocational and technical training, and investing in school safety. This will ensure Tennessee’s current and future generations are prepared to achieve successful futures.”
Representative Farmer and his family are grateful for the support they have received from the men, women, and families of Tennessee House District 17 in recent years, and they humbly ask for their support again in 2020.
Andrew Farmer is Chairman of the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee. Farmer is also a member of the House Judiciary and State Committees, as well as the House Corrections Subcommittee. He lives in Sevierville and represents Tennessee House District 17, which includes part of Jefferson and Sevier Counties. Farmer can be reached by email at: Rep.Andrew.Farmer@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-4419.
