E.R. Smith

Beth is a compassionate advocate for her community with two decades of small business ownership, 15 years of dedicated elder caregiving experience, and 15 years as a public school teacher. Known for her empathetic approach to politics, she combines financial literacy as a business owner with a passion for supporting workers across the state of Tennessee get a fair deal.

• Public education support is crucial for fostering a fair and enriching learning environment where every child receives the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. I believe we must advocate for increased funding to improve public school resources, support our teachers through better pay, fight voucher schemes, and create equitable access to quality education for all of our Tennessee students. I believe that investing in public education not only strengthens our community but also empowers future generations to achieve their fullest potential.
• I am a strong advocate for rural access to healthcare. I will prioritize Medicaid expansion and addressing the critical issue of rural hospital closures. It is imperative that Tennessee accepts federal aid for Medicaid expansion to ensure essential healthcare coverage reaches thousands of low-income residents currently underserved in our district. Refusing this aid exacerbates healthcare disparities, particularly in rural areas like District 14, where hospital closures have left communities like ours vulnerable. My commitment is to champion equitable healthcare access across Tennessee by responsibly leveraging federal resources to benefit those in need.
• Advocating for common-sense gun control measures is paramount, particularly in the wake of shootings that have shocked our communities like the Tennessee Covenant tragedy. We must enact sensible regulations that ensure firearms are responsibly owned and used, while respecting Second Amendment rights which have long been respected in our community. The Tennessee Covenant tragedy underscores the urgent need for comprehensive background checks, closing loopholes in purchasing firearms, and promoting safe storage practices. My goal is to promote legislation that enhances public safety without infringing on the rights of responsible gun owners, fostering a safer community for all Tennesseans.

I am very passionate about environment and sustainability, ensuring clean access to air, water, and food. Environmental and agricultural public policy will drive my campaign and my time in the State Legislature.

The core responsibility of a leader is to represent the will of their constituents, something many of our leaders have seemingly forgotten. From not holding town halls or community events to not bothering to run active campaigns during election season, it is essential for our politicians to be start to be active in our community again. As your state senator, that will be my prerogative.

When I was a little girl, the Birmingham Bombing was one of the first historical events I remember. It shaped my views on racial inequality and developed my strong support for racial justice which continues today.

I worked for Kentucky Fried Chicken for two years when I 15. Working there until I was 17, I was taught the value of hard work and consistency. I also learned what it was like to work a minimum wage job, and I developed a deep respect for the service sector which continues in my platform to this day through supporting the working class.