Getting to Know Our New Senator Senator-elect Bill Hagerty Talks with Our Own Director of Government Relations Jim Layman
Gallatin-native Bill Hagerty will be the next U.S. Senator from Tennessee. The former Ambassador to Japan easily won the race in Tennessee, garnering over 60% of the vote. He graciously gave us his time to provide some info for The Insuror.
Jim: Can you tell us a little about your background? Where you’re from, your family, quick overview of your career? Sen.-elect Hagerty: Growing up in Sumner County, my mom was a schoolteacher, and my dad worked road construction. We had a small farm there. As a young boy, I learned the value of hard work and strong family values. Although my father did not graduate college, he worked to make sure I did. With a strong academic foundation, I began my career in business. From 2011 to 2014, I served as Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, before serving President Trump as his Tennessee Victory Chair, senior transition leader and then as his Ambassador to Japan. Late this Spring, I was called back to serve again as a member of the White House Economic Recovery task force. My wife Chrissy and I are blessed to have four children, and we are raising them with solid Tennessee conservative values.
Jim: What made you want to run for U.S. Senate? Sen.-elect Hagerty: As I saw the mounting challenges our nation increasingly confronts within our own political system and the threats that continue to confront our nation from our foreign adversaries, my wife Chrissy and I decided it was time to undertake a new challenge to serve. With President Trump’s blessing and endorsement – I am seeking to fight for Tennesseans in the United States Senate. Most important, I want to ensure my children – and all children in Tennessee – enjoy the freedom and opportunity that have made America the most exceptional country in the world.
need to bring our supply chains back to the United States to create more jobs for Americans and grow our economy.
Jim: What role can the insurance industry play in helping the nation recover from the impact of COVID-19? Sen.-elect Hagerty: The independent insurance industry is a great resource to Tennesseans as they recover both from the health and economic toll of COVID-19. They can provide the most cost-effective and beneficial choices for their clients. And here in Tennessee, we’ve suffered two bouts of damaging tornadoes. Our insurance industry has and will continue to step up to help those affected.
Jim: What role do you believe trade associations play in the development of policy in Washington and at the state level? Sen.-elect Hagerty: Trade associations gather information from their members and provide valuable insight for members of Congress and state representatives - ensuring their voices are heard. As Tennessee’s chief economic leader, trade associations advanced our understanding of the potential impact of a given policy issue. In the Senate, I will continue to listen to trade associations like Insurors of Tennessee so I can better serve Tennesseans.
Newly elected Senator Bill Hagerty is ready to work hard for Tennesseans
Jim: What further efforts are needed to defeat COVID-19 and fuel our economic recovery? What efforts are you most excited about? Sen.-elect Hagerty: As Tennessee’s chief economic leader as we came out of the last recession, I understand what it takes to stimulate our economy and support small businesses. We 8
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