Ryan Scofield

I am native to the Chattanooga area, having spent most of my life living in East Brainerd. I currently serve as an executive committeeman for both the Hamilton County Democratic Party and Tennessee Democratic Party.

When I am not busy politicking, I work as a Social Security disability legal assistant. As part of my job, I talk with many Tennesseans from all over the ideological spectrum. The one message I hear is that they do not believe the government is working for them. Many cannot afford health insurance. Some are on the verge of homelessness. All I have been able to tell some of these people is that I wish I could do more. After much reflecting, I believe that the best way I can serve my clients is by being their biggest advocate in Nashville.

• Medicaid Expansion- too many hardworking Tennesseans go without medical care. Many fall in the dead zone between qualifying and being able to afford a basic healthcare plan. Looking at this from a fiscal standpoint, we are sending an ungodly amount of money that is not being used for Medicaid. It is wasteful not to accept the federal funds.
• Respecting a woman’s right to choose- The government should not be governing people’s bodies. I am for removing the government from medical decisions between a doctor and patient. Inserting the government into a medical decision is a slippery slope that should be avoided.
• Stronger neighborhood schools- Our schools are painfully underfunded. I would work to roll back Governor Lee’s disastrous voucher scheme and allocate that funding back into our community schools. Our government should not be funding private academic institutions.

I am very passionate about healthcare. As someone with chronic illnesses, I want to be a voice for those like me. People are without healthcare, rural hospitals are closing leaving many people without access to emergent lifesaving treatment.

I look up to my mother who is a hospice nurse. She is not taking care of just the patient, but is taking care of an entire family. Her strong work ethic and big heart are something I try to emulate in what I do.

Compassion for those they serve is a must. Too often politicians are so out of touch with their constituents that they lose sight of the struggles many face.

Working to improve the lives of their constituents.

9/11. It was the day after my tenth birthday. It is forever engrained in my memory.

“Every Kinda People” by Robert Palmer

I believe that the state legislature should listen to the governor’s concerns as legislation is crafted. That being said, what is proposed should not be contingent on what a governor wants.

The continued declination of rural hospitals and associated reduced access to healthcare.

Not necessarily, no.

I think that it is very beneficial to have relationships with other legislators from all over the ideological spectrum. People agree on more than they disagree. Forming these relationships create a stronger legislature and a stronger state.

I have long admired former Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio. He has a servant’s heart.

Never say never. Right now, I am focused on what I can do for House District 29.

As part of my day job, I have talked with so many people whose stories are my motivation for running. They have a common them of lack of access to healthcare, due to their inability to afford health insurance.

It should be evaluated on a case by case basis.

My first bill would expand Medicaid to those who fall between being able to afford insurance and qualifying for Medicaid.

Tennessee Families for Vaccines and Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood

Education Administration, Health, and Civil Justice.

I believe that politicians should be 100% transparent with their constituents and should fight for a more transparent government.

I think it would be very good for our state. This is another way for citizens to have their voices heard.