SMYRNA, Tenn. – State Representative Mike Sparks, R-Smyrna, is seeking re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives 49th District. “My family and I are grateful for the outpouring of support and encouragement during the years,” Sparks said.
Sparks was first elected to serve the residents in 2010. During his tenure, Rep. Sparks has obtained critical funding for various infrastructure projects in the district. A fierce advocate for education, he has fought to secure $30 million in funding for the expansion of Motlow State Community College, as well as an additional $40 million for the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) location in Smyrna and a new science building at MTSU.
“Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton appointed me to the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee. I’m honored to have helped draft our state’s $52.8 billion balanced budget. This budget includes no tax increases. The legislature increased funding for education, health care, and transportation infrastructure, while providing a historic $300 million in tax cuts.”
Sparks pledges to continue focusing on creating jobs and cutting taxes by passing responsible budgets and providing good management that keeps Tennessee a low-tax state. “I will continue the fight to cut taxes,” Sparks said. “Tennessee residents are the second-lowest taxed in the nation and we collect zero income tax. Our economy has consistently outpaced the nation over the past decade. There’s no doubt that the Biden Administration’s failing policies are creating havoc on our nation. Our fiscal conservatism has well-positioned us to provide meaningful relief in our state.”
For education, Sparks has supported adding $1 billion in state funding through a new student-based funding formula. He also helped provide state funding for learning-loss camps, tutoring, literacy initiatives, bridge camps and summer school to help students after COVID disruptions.
As the author of three books, his latest “How to Do More with Less During Tough Times,” Sparks utilizes a conservative approach in the legislature. He also pushed for an audit that uncovered $1.4 million in overcharges by health insurance companies.
Sparks is proud that President Trump initiated a campaign on ways to drive down drug prices and find savings for patients. Ironically, right after he made the announcement, more than a dozen major drug makers enacted price freezes, rollbacks and price reductions. His administration’s efforts helped to lower prescription drug prices for the first time in nearly 50 years.
Sparks is also grateful for the work being done by the leadership in the General Assembly on the topic of health care. “Before I voted for Cameron Sexton for Speaker of the House and both Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison and Majority Leader William Lamberth, I asked them how assertive they would be on healthcare, treatment for drug addiction and other needed reforms,” Sparks said. “They all agreed those would be among their top priorities. Although there is much work to do regarding healthcare, it’s an issue that we will all face in our lives.”
Mike Sparks serves the areas of Smyrna, La Vergne and north Murfreesboro. He lives in Smyrna with his wife Felicia. The couple have been married for 34 years and have two sons. Feel free to contact Mike at rep.mike.sparks@capitol.tn.gov or at 615-741-6829.
Submitted by Mike Sparks for State Rep.
