***Media Advisory***

Senator Kerry Roberts announces 100-mile bicycle ride on one-year anniversary of devastating flooding in Humphreys County to raise money and awareness for flood victims

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 17, 2022
CONTACT Molly Gormley 615-741-5336

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield) announced today the details for his 100-mile bicycle ride to raise money and awareness for victims on the one-year anniversary of the deadly flooding in Waverly and Humphreys County. His ride will begin at the Robertson County Courthouse and end at the Humphreys County Courthouse where he will present a $10,000 check to United Way for flood victims.

***Media Advisory***

Senator Roberts announces details for 100-mile bicycle ride this Sunday to raise money and awareness for victims of flooding in Humphreys County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 26, 2021
CONTACT:  Darlene Schlicher 615-741-5336

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield) announced today the final details for his 100-mile bicycle ride to raise money and awareness for victims of the deadly August flooding in Humphreys County. His ride will begin at the Robertson County Courthouse and end at the Humphreys County Courthouse in time for Halloween in Downtown Waverly.

To donate or volunteer click here; for revised map of ride click here; for media advisory and resources click here; to plan a visit to Humphreys County click here

(Note from Kerry: I posted this on 10/12/21 and am re-posting. It's the story behind riding 100 miles for Waverly and Humphreys County flood victims last year. I'm riding 100 miles again on Saturday, the one-year anniversary of the flood).

Waverly and Humphreys County have a special place in our hearts. Dianne and I started visiting soon after the new Senate districts were announced in 2012 and were quickly adopted into the Humphreys County family.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Molly Gormley (615) 741-8760

Nashville, Tennessee (September 15, 2021) - On Tuesday, State Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield) sent a letter to Lt. Governor Randy McNally requesting a special session take place of the Tennessee General Assembly. Roberts' letter explains that numerous constituents have reached out requesting a special session.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: DARLENE SCHLICHER 615-741-6336

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (October 23, 2020) — Many of you have asked for an update regarding Senator Kerry Roberts (R - Springfield) related to the subarachnoid hemorrhage he experienced on Friday, October 9^th.

Morning after - who won? Three quick questions. Please take and share!

Here are 5 quick questions about handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the end, please share this survey with your friends. Thank you!

PS - Anyone is welcome to take the survey. However, only responses including a valid email and address within Tennessee will be used in the tabulations.

Senator Roberts frequently gives tours of Tennessee's historic Capitol to school and community groups. You can schedule a tour by calling his office at 615-741-4499. At least two weeks notice is helpful. If you have a school group, you may wish to tour the Capitol in the morning, eat lunch (see below), and tour the Tennessee State Museum after lunch (or vice versa).

Lunch options for school groups include bringing a sack lunch and eating at several locations within the Capitol, Cordell Hull Building, on the Capitol grounds, or at the Tennessee Bicentennial Mall. For school groups who wish to purchase lunch, catering options are available and lunch can be served in the Capitol's Legislative Lounge (across from the Senate chamber) subject to availability and other restrictions. For off-site lunch purchase, the Farmers' Market is nearby and has a large food court.

You can learn more about visiting the Tennessee State Capitol and Capitol Hill by clicking here. You can learn more about visiting the Tennessee State Museum by clicking here.

Let your voice be heard! To assist in getting the greatest amount of feedback, will you please share this page on social media (click the share at the bottom) or email a link to your contacts? Also, if there is any topic not mentioned on which you'd like to share your opinion, please click the "Contact" button at the top and share. Thank you!

PS - Anyone is welcome to take the survey. However, only responses including a valid email and address within Tennessee will be used in the tabulations.

Statement from Senator Kerry Roberts regarding major grant for TCAT Dickson

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Darlene Schlicher (615) 741-6336

(NASHVILLE), November 7, 2019 - State Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield) made the following statement regarding the announcement that the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Dickson will receive a $987,699 grant under provisions of the Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) Act which he co-sponsored.  The funds will be used for the BRIDGE to Work Program. 

“I am very pleased that the TCAT Dickson will receive this major grant,” said Sen. Roberts, who is chairman of the Senate Government Operations Committee.  “This program helps us increase job opportunities, including extending dual enrollment credits for high-skill, high-demand career-focused programs at our TCATs and community colleges.  Many local students will greatly benefit from the programs funded by this grant for many years to come as we raise the number of Tennesseans with a post-secondary credential or degree.”

 2020 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Under Republican leadership, Tennessee is a better place to live, work and raise a family!

JOBS & ECONOMY

Under Republican leadership, Tennessee is open for business and ranks among the top states in the Southeast for drawing new jobs

• Tennessee ranks #1 for Site-Readiness Programs and Energy Availability and Costs in Area Development’s Top State For Doing Business Rankings.
• We rank #1 in small business job growth (Paychex 2019)
• The state consistently ranks in the top 3 of states with best business climate in the U.S. (Business Facilities‘ 15th Annual Rankings Report, 2020) “Tennessee is a perennial contender for BF’s business climate crown, living up to the credo expressed on the TNECD website: “…high expectations, low debt and a pro-business regulatory environment.” The Volunteer State consistently sets a high bar in meeting all of the priorities of businesses evaluating locations in TN, whether it’s customized workforce training, pre-certified sites or lower industrial electricity costs.”
• Ranked in top 2 states for the past 2 years for workforce development in the South Central Region. (Site Selection)
• Tennessee’s Right to Work status and the overhaul of the state’s tort and workers compensation laws and have enhanced the state’s business-friendly environment, bringing in record new jobs and capital investment
  • This is evidenced by a study released last year by the American Legislative Exchange Council which credits the state's low tax rates and right-to-work labor policy for outperforming other states in economic growth during a decade of growth. (Tennessee was 7th fastest in the U.S.).
• During 2020 Tennessee has landed 49 projects with company commitments to create 9,660 new jobs and invest $3.2 billion in private capital. ADD NEW ONES
• A third of ECD’s 2020 projects are taking place in rural counties of the state
• Highlights across the state:
  • Facebook will invest $800 million in a new data center in Gallatin, Sumner County which will employ 100 people
  • Amazon is building two new fulfillment centers which will create 1000 new jobs in Memphis, Shelby County and 1000 new jobs in Juliet, Wilson County
  • Tyson will expand and create 231 new jobs and invest $87.6 million in Union City, Obion County
  • TTiFloor Care will create 500 new jobs and invest $20 million through an expansion in Cookeville, Putnam County
  • LabConnect, Inc will create 211 new jobs and invest $8.7 million in Johnson City, Washington County
  • Agero Inc will create 900 new jobs and invest $2 million in Clarksville, Montgomery County
  • Southern Champion Tray is expanding its paperboard packaging operations in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, with the creation of 120 new jobs and $84.9 million investment
  • Minth Group will expand its automotive parts production operations with the creation of 254 new jobs and $87.4 million investment in Lewisburg, Marshall County
  • Adient will create 331 new jobs and invest $23.5 million in its Lexington, Henderson County automotive seating production facility

Even in the wake of COVID-19, under Republican leadership Tennessee continues to show consistent economic strength

• Tennessee business leaders expect the state’s recovery the state’s economy to improve more quickly than the U.S. as a whole over the next year, according to a new survey of 1,000 business leaders across the state conducted by the Boyd Center at UTK
• According to the Boyd Center survey, three out of four respondents said Tennessee is headed in the right direction, with them being particularly pleased with the quality of government leadership in Tennessee.
• In April 2020, Tennessee’s unemployment rate hit a high of 15.5% due to the effects and response to the Pandemic. In July 2020, it was 9.5%--a 6 percentage point decrease from April 2020. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• The week of May 9^th saw the highest number of continued unemployment claims with 325,095. Since the week of May 9^th, there have been fewer continued unemployment claims in Tennessee for each consecutive week. The most recent week for which data is available, the week of August 8th had 208,810 continued claims. (Source: Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development)
• Business applications in Tennessee were significantly up in the month of July. The week of Saturday July 18th saw the most business applications (2,530) for Tennessee since the U.S. Census Bureau started tracking this metric in 2006. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Weekly Business Formation Statistics)

FISCAL MANAGEMENT

Under Republican leadership, taxes remain low and Tennessee ranks top in the nation in fiscal management

• Implemented a conservative fiscal strategy that has resulted in Tennessee being first in the nation in fiscal stability (S. News and World Report)
• Maintained our AAA bond rating
• NO Personal income tax on wages and salaries
• Among least indebted states in the nation per capita
• Tennessee ranks in the top 3 of states for best-funded pension plans (Pew Charitable Trusts 2019)
• Tennessee is one of only five states without road debt
• Ranked 3^rd by Kiplinger on their list of most tax-friendly states (impact of state and local taxes)
• Major tax cuts made since 2011
  • Reduced sales tax on food by nearly 30%;
  • Phasing out of Hall income tax which is on track for elimination in 2021;
  • Eliminated gift and inheritance taxes;
  • Eliminated the professional privilege tax ($400 annually) for 15 of the 22 professions which pay it; 
  • Cut taxes on manufacturing to enhance job creation;
  • Tossed the $6 million gym tax on smaller fitness facilities;
  • Reduced sales tax on fiber optic cable by $2.5 million;
  • Saved our agriculture industry professionals $750,000;
  • Slashed the $455,300 ammunition tax on law-abiding citizens; and
  • Annual Sales Tax Holiday in August enhanced this year so consumers may purchase clothing, school supplies, computers and other qualifying electronic devices without paying sale tax – Also had a sales tax weekend on retail restaurant food to help spur recovery due to Pandemic.
• Made historic deposits to the Rainy Day Fund bringing the emergency fund to the highest level in state history to prepare the state to withstand economic downturns with Tennessee
• Ranked among the top 10 states best prepared to survive economic downturns based on such measures as stabilization, emergency funds, economic strength and diversity, debt-to-income ratio, exports per capita, export diversity, deposits per capita, and state income tax rate
• Our record of low taxes and low debt now position us to be the very best stewards of the people’s money

EDUCATION

Under Republican leadership, Tennessee is making great strides in education

K-12

• Tennessee remains one of the fastest-improving state in the nation on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), across math, reading and science.
• We’ve gone from the back of the pack in education results to being a state frequently cited as an innovator and a national leader.
• Students are outpacing their peers across the country in their academic progress and showing that all students can grow and learn, regardless of their background, race, or socio-economic status.
• Tennessee has overhauled teacher tenure, implemented rigorous academic standards, and expanded access to high-quality school options.
• 5 million Tennesseans ages 18 and over have earned a high school degree or higher
• Tennessee continues to see the highest high school graduation rates ever — 89.7 percent.
• Since 2011 the high school graduation rate has risen by 4.2 percent.
• School districts across Tennessee are making gains in student academic achievement
  • TNReady 2019 assessment results indicate that students across the state are performing better in almost all math subjects.
  • The TNReady scores also show that more than half the schools in Tennessee – 56 percent – improved their growth scores (TVAAS scores) from the previous year, with 41 percent of all schools earning a level 4 or 5 TVAAS rating which measures year-to-year growth.
• The state’s average ACT score has reached an all-time high of 20.2, and with even more students taking the test.
• Tennessee showed historic increases in the number of students taking and getting college credit for Advanced Placement courses, which supports a seamless transition into postsecondary.
• While faced with financial adversities, Tennessee continues to invest in public education
  • Holding districts and schools harmless during the 2019-2020 school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Fully funding the BEP with an investment of $5,034,485,600
  • TN is one of very few states that did not cut state-level funding for K12 schools during the pandemic
• K-12 Education funding in FY 20/21 budget totaled $6.6 billion, fully funding the BEP and adding $72 million to K-12 education including:
  • $10.6million into the BEP for teachers’ insurance
  • $50.3 million to address growth and inflation
  • $7.3 million for increased enrollment in Tennessee Early Intervention Services
• Strategic investments to support districts, teachers, and students as schools reopen
  • Investing $155M out of Tennessee’s Coronavirus Relief Fund to support access and opportunity for K-12 students and their families, health and safety of our educators, and supports for our districts as they begin the year.
    • $50M in technology grants for schools, providing 250,000 additional devices
    • $15M in Wi-Fi supports for families, providing high-speed internet access to over 100,000 households in the state
    • $77M for teacher PPE kits, making Tennessee the only state in the country to date to provide PPE resources for all educators for the entire school year
      • These kits include masks, shields, gloves, disinfecting wipes, and hand sanitizer
    • $11M in school reopening grants for districts to support the implementation of local school reopening plans

• Supports for Districts and Educators
  • Over 100 guidance documents between school closures in the spring and reopening toolkits and resources:
    • LEA Guide for Reopening Schools – extensive resource produced to provide an overview framework for districts to use as they begin planning for school reopening. It outlines 10+ different pathways that districts may want to take for school reopening, most of which prioritize in-person learning. 
    • 77+ Coronavirus school closure guidance documents
    • 25+ Reopening Toolkits and Templates– a series of topic-specific toolkits that provide checklists, best practices, reflective questions, and more intended to support effective and locally-driven planning for reopening.
    • Free professional development for all teachers on digital learningwith Trevecca. Over 19,000 teachers have registered.
    • Free PD for principals for leading well in the new COVID-19 environment. 550+ principals participated.
    • Supporting district recruiting to fill educator vacancies: 1000+ candidates shared with districts through TN Teacher Jobs Connection, TN Substitute Teacher Jobs Connection, TN Education Job Board 
  • CARES Act: Elementary and Secondary Education Emergency Relief Fund
    • $260M for K-12
      • State Portion: $26M or 10%
      • LEA Allocations: $234M
      • LEA allocations were determined by the relative share of the state’s Title I allocation
      • One-time relief funding to support district efforts to purchase technology, provide supplemental after school programs, addressing the unique needs of special populations, providing mental health services, or conducting other activities necessary to maintain the operation of services
    • IDEA Compensatory Services Grant
      • $5M in LEA allocations
      • Supporting districts in providing compensatory services and remediation for students with disabilities to address learning losses as a result of the COVID-19 school closures.
    • IDEA Technology Partnership Grant
      • $1M in partnership grants
      • Supporting districts in addressing the educational needs of their students with disabilities and associated technology needs

HIGHER EDUCATION

• Under the Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect programs, ALL Tennesseans have access to higher education tuition-free. This is a model that is garnering attention nationwide.
  • Tennessee Reconnect enrolled 18,217 students in its first full year
  • Over 2,100 of these students earned an award in their first year, and many more remained enrolled in pursuit of a credential (Report here).
  • Tennessee Promise has now enrolled 5 cohorts of students- 88,486 Promise students as of Spring 2020. (Does not include Fall 2020 Data- cohort 6) (Report here).
• The college-going rate has increased from 53.8 percent to 61.8 percent since 2007.
• Tennessee implemented the Complete College Act and expanded statewide a successful pilot of the Seamless Alignment and Integrated Learning Support (SAILS) program which helps ensure more high school graduates are coming to college prepared for the coursework.
• Tennessee has had the lowest five years of tuition increases in the last 40 years—with all universities, community colleges and colleges of applied technology holding tuition flat for Tennessee undergraduates in 2020-21.
• Over the last six years, the state has invested over $500M in new recurring funds to higher education, including over $170M to our universities and community colleges based on increased performance in the outcomes-based funding formula.
• Tennessee also made significant investments in financial aid for students at public institutions in 2019
  • Tennessee: $2,271 per FTE
  • National average: $808 per FTE
  • Regional average: $986 per FTE
• In fact, Tennessee now provides the highest financial aid per full-time student at public institutions in the Nation.
• The state has continued to invest in Early Postsecondary Opportunities (EPSOs), with increases in the number of courses students can take with dual enrollment grants. There are also many dual enrollment courses now eligible for expanded grant funding through the Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE).
• Six-year graduation rates have increased at both community colleges and universities over the past 5 years. (Factbook pg. 50)
• The FY 20/21 Budget invests a total of $4.9 billion in Higher Education, adding $22.5 million in new funding including:
  • $4.4 million for the new Correctional Education Investment program to expand educational opportunities in correctional institutions
  • $1.2 million for MTSU/Meharry medication education student financial aid
  • $1 million for Veteran Reconnect grants;
  • $2 million for campus security enhancements
  • $1 million for TBR’s Mechatronics program
  • $500,000 to TTU Cybersecurity Research
  • Nearly $1.1 million for additional ETSU pediatric specialists and surgeons
  • Capital investment for higher education institutions totals $101.8 million

2019 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Under Republican Leadership, Tennessee Continues to Lead the Nation

JOBS & ECONOMY

Under Republican leadership, the economy continues to thrive, as businesses grow and unemployment remains low

• #1 in small business job growth. (Paychex Inc., 2019)
• #1 Best Business Climate in the U.S. (Business Facilities‘ 15th Annual Rankings Report, 2019)
• #1 for workforce development in the South Central Region. (Site Selection, Jan 2019)
• Tennessee ranks #2 in the nation for advanced industry job growth.
• From 2015-2019, Tennessee has received over 100,000 new job commitments.
• Since Jan. 1, approximately 10,485 new jobs committments have been announced. (as of August 2019)
• Unemployment remains near historic low levels — 3.5 percent as of June 2019.
• As of August 2019, 90% of 2019’s job commitments are considered High Quality Job Commitments, and about 23% of current 2019 job commitments (43% of projects) will be located in rural TN.
• More than 2.6 million Tennesseans are employed in the private sector.
• According to the Secretary of State, new business filings increased 9 percent in the first quarter of 2019. Secretary Tre Hargett stated that 13,000 new entity filings were recorded, marking 30 consecutive quarters of positive year-over-year new business growth.
• From 2015 to 2019, Tennessee has accumulated over $21.5 billion in capital through ECD projects.

FISCAL MANAGEMENT

Under Republican leadership, taxes remain low and Tennessee ranks top in the nation in fiscal management

• Maintained our AAA bond rating
• NO Personal income tax on wages and salaries
• #1 state in the nation for fiscal stability (U.S. News and World Report, 2019)
• Among least indebted states in the nation per capita
• Tennessee is one of only five states without road debt
• Cut $845 million in taxes since 2011
  • Reduced sales tax on food by nearly 30%
  • Phasing out of Hall income tax
  • Eliminated gift and inheritance taxes
  • Cut taxes on manufacturing to enhance job creation
• Implemented a conservative fiscal strategy:
  • Cut more than $35.2 million in taxes as part of the fiscally responsible $38.6 billion FY 2019-2020 budget.
  • Eliminated the $22 million professional privilege tax.
  • Tossed the $6 million gym tax on smaller fitness facilities.
  • Reduced sales tax on fiber optic cable by $2.5 million.
  • Saved our agriculture industry professionals $750,000.
  • Slashed the $455,300 ammunition tax on law abiding citizens.
  • Reserved $15 million for additional tax cuts next year.
  • Invested $239 million into the state’s savings account (Rainy Day Fund), bringing its total to $1.1 billion.
• The $38.6 billion balanced budget proposes state government maintains Tennessee’s sound fiscal practices by not taking on any new debt, continuing to reduce unnecessary spending through state government efficiencies, and putting a record investment in the state’s emergency savings account, better known as the Rainy Day Fund.
• Historic deposit to the Rainy Day Fund of $225 million, bringing the emergency fund to the highest level in state history at $1.1 billion
• Our record of low taxes and low debt now position us to be the very best stewards of the people’s money
• State pooled investment fund at historic levels and surpassed a $12 billion balance. The active management of this fund by the TN Department of Treasury reduces the need to raise taxes in order to fund day-today operations of the state and local governments.
• Tennessee ranks in the top 3 of states for best-funded pension plans (Pew Charitable Trusts 2019)

EDUCATION

Under Republican leadership, Tennessee is making great strides in education

• Made the largest investment in public education ever — $11.3 billion total state and federal funding for K-12 and higher education – all without a tax increase.
  • This includes $6.6 billion in K-12 funding
  • $211 million in new education dollars
  • $71 million for teacher pay raises
  • $39.4 million will fully fund the state’s Basic Education Program to cover growth and inflation in the funding formula
  • The budget also invests $40 million to secure our schools
  • $25 million will also expand vocational and technical higher education training opportunities for our future leaders
• The approved Fiscal Year 19-20 budget invests over $5.3 billion state dollars in K-12 education.
• 5 million Tennesseans ages 18 and over have earned a high school degree or higher.
• Tennessee was named the fastest-improving state in the nation on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), across math, reading and science.
• We’ve gone from the back of the pack in education results to being a state frequently cited as an innovator.
• Tennessee has overhauled teacher tenure, implemented rigorous academic standards, and expanded access to quality school options.
• Students are outpacing their peers across the country in their academic progress and showing that all students can grow and learn, regardless of their background, race, or socioeconomic status.
• Tennessee continues to see the highest high school graduation rates ever — 89.1 percent.
• Since 2011 the high school graduation rate has risen by 3.6 percent.
• School districts across Tennessee are making gains in student academic achievement:
  • TNReady 2019 assessment results indicate that students across the state are performing better in almost all math subjects.
  • The TNReady scores also show that more than half the schools in Tennessee – 56 percent – improved their growth scores (TVAAS scores) from the previous year, with 41 percent of all schools earning a level 4 or 5 TVAAS rating which measures year-to-year growth.
• The state’s average ACT score has reached an all-time high of 20.2, and with even more students taking the test.
• Tennessee showed historic increases in the number of students taking and getting college credit for Advanced Placement courses, which supports a seamless transition into post-secondary education.
• Under the Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect programs, ALL Tennesseans have access to higher education tuition-free. This is a model that is garnering attention nationwide.
• The “college going” rate has increased from 53.8 percent to 62 percent since 2007.
• We implemented the Complete College Act and expanded statewide a successful pilot program that began at Chattanooga State, the SAILS program, which helps ensure more high school graduates are coming to college prepared for the coursework. Now, 15 percent fewer students need remedial work when they get to college.
• Our goal that 55 percent of Tennesseans will have earned a certificate or degree by 2025 WILL happen. In fact, if we sustain our current momentum, we are on pace to meet the Drive to 55 goal two years early.
• Tennessee has had the lowest three years of tuition increases in the last 40 years.
• The number of students taking out student loans in Tennessee has decreased by 17 percent as a result of TNPromise and TNReconnect.
• The state will invest $84.3M in new recurring dollars in higher education in 2019-20, a 5.3% increase over last fiscal year:

• • $56M of this will be distributed directly to Tennessee’s universities and community colleges
  • $4M will be distributed to the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology
• Over the last five years, the state has invested over $500M in new recurring funds to higher education.
• Tennessee also made significant investments in financial aid for students at public institutions in 2018:

• • Tennessee: $1,867 per FTE
  • National average: $666 per FTE
  • Regional average: $939 per FTE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: MOLLY GORMLEY 615-741-8760

(NASHVILLE) June 21, 2019 -- State Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield) is one of 48 of the nation’s top government officials from across the nation selected for the prestigious Toll Fellowship Program sponsored by The Council of State Governments, August 23-27, 2019, in Lexington, KY.

SENATOR KERRY ROBERTS OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY
Revised September 2020 - headshot at bottom of page

Senator Kerry Roberts was elected to the Tennessee Senate in 2011 and represents Cheatham, Dickson, Hickman, Humphreys, and Robertson counties. He was elected again in 2014 and 2018.

Senator Roberts is recognized for his diplomacy, statesmanship, and effectiveness by his colleagues and the media. He frequently appears on Nashville television and radio to discuss state legislative matters.

Kerry is Chairman of the Government Operations Committee, which provides legislative oversight of almost 260 departments, boards, or entities that constitute Tennessee state government. He also sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Married since 1987, Kerry and Dianne raised their three children in a 150-year old house on a small farm where Kerry enjoys working with antique tractors. Their children all attended public schools and the oldest two are now in college.

He is a 1983 graduate of Lipscomb University, where he served as adjunct business faculty from 1984 to 1990.

In 1990, Kerry sold the accounting practice he started in 1984 and started a bicycle business. He later served as President and Chairman of the National Bicycle Dealers Association.

Since being a State Senator is technically a part-time job, Kerry’s full-time job is President of Resource Network, a business he started that provides consulting services. He is also a Certified Public Accountant and regularly teaches continuing education classes to other CPAs.

Additional/optional information:

Kerry’s hobbies include two Triumph sports cars, a vintage Honda motorcycle, and bicycling.

Dianne and Kerry love to travel and hope to eventually travel around the United States in one of their Triumph cars.

Their home is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is believed to be designed by William and Francis Strickland (Tennessee State Capitol) and built by John Woodard, a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives.

Kerry is known for this quote: “Ideology should never be a test of friendship. We impoverish ourselves when we limit our friendships to people who think, look, or act like ourselves.”

Kerry’s favorite quote related to his legislative work is from Stephen Covey: “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”

Kerry frequently gives tours of the historic Tennessee State Capitol. He has often quipped that if he loses his next election, he'll work as a tour guide!

Kerry’s favorite story to tell is of George Washington’s inauguration on April 30, 1789. Kerry: “During Washington’s inauguration, our nation was consecrated to God during Christian services voted on by the first United States Congress. The very ground where that took place, which later became the World Trade Center complex, is where our nation was attacked on Tuesday, September 11, 2001.”

Legislative Appointments, Honors and Awards

2020/21 Vice Chair of the Southern Legislative Conference’s Fiscal Affairs and Government Operations Committee

2020 Vice Chair, Joint Ad Hoc Committee to Study Emergency Powers

2020 Taxpayer Hero (Americans for Prosperity)

2020 Regulatory Reform Champion (Americans for Prosperity)

2020 111th General Assembly 100% Voting Record (National Federation of Independent Business)

2019 Conservative Achievement (American Conservative Union Foundation)

Kentucky Colonel

2019 American Academy of Pediatrics, Tennessee Legislator of the Year

Southern Legislative Conference 2019 Delegate, Georgia Cyber Center

2019 Tennessee Chiropractic Association Legislator of the Year

2019 CSG Henry Toll Fellowship Program

2019 Legislative Award (The Arc Tennessee)

2018 1^st Annual Founder’s Cup Award (The 917 Society)

2018 Alumnus of the Year (Ohio Valley University)

2018 Award for Conservative Excellence (American Conservative Union)

2018 Champion for Prosperity (Americans for Prosperity)  

2018 Legislator of the Year (Foundation for Government Accountability)

2017 Champion for Prosperity (Americans for Prosperity)

2017 Legislator of the Year (Foundation for Government Accountability)

2017 Award for Conservative Excellence (American Conservative Union)

2017 Natural Gas Champion (Greater Dickson Gas Authority)

2016 Legislator of the Year (South Central Development District)

2016 Legislator of the Year (Mothers Against Drunk Driving)

2016 Friend of Government Accountability (Foundation for Government Accountability)

2016 CMT/ABATE Champion (Concerned Motorcyclists of Tennessee)

2016 Award for Conservative Excellence (American Conservative Union) 2015

2016 Taxpayer Hero (Americans for Prosperity)  2015

2015  Award for Conservative Excellence (American Conservative Union)

2015 Taxpayer Hero (Americans for Prosperity)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Molly Gormley (615) 741-8760

(NASHVILLE), September 10, 2019 - Please see the statement below from Tennessee State Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield) confirming and clarifying his critique of liberal bias in higher education made on his radio show last week.

“While the call for eliminating higher education was clearly hyperbole, I stand behind my general critique of higher education in America one hundred percent.

Kerry runs for re-election in 2022, but it's never too early to join our team! We love helping our volunteers connect with their areas of passion. If you have unique gifts and talents you'd like to share, click the appropriate boxes below and we'll be in touch!

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT: MOLLY GORMLEY

September 26, 2018 615-741-8760

(NASHVILLE) – Today Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield) announced over $1.2 million in state grants for school districts he represents to improve school safety and security. These grants include $357,888 in Safe School grants, which are recurring funds and $878,822 in School Safety and Security grants, which are one-time funds. The General Assembly included $35 million in the 2018/2019 state budget for school safety, which Roberts supported, following recommendations from Governor Haslam’s School Safety Working Group.