Tax dollars paid for this mailer during Rep. Jon Ragan’s re-election campaign. Few House members have spent more on mailings.

“There’s a difference between using public dollars that are allotted for information to be used as a campaign piece. It looks like this more appropriately should be funded by the campaign. It’s probably not illegal but questionable,” said Dick Williams.¶

State lawmakers are allotted funding for posting and printing, but constituent mailings are prohibited within 30 days of an election where the lawmaker’s name appears on the ballot.¶

Ragan’s mailing would not have occurred during the prohibited period, but he was among the top spenders in the House following the end of session.¶

According to reports provided by the Office of Legislative Administration, the only House member facing a primary challenge who spent more than Ragan on mailings following the session was Representative Paul Sherrell, R-Sparta.¶

House Constituent Mailer Expenses May 1 – June 18

• Rep. Paul Sherrell $10,432.70

• Rep. John Ragan $7,063.00
• Rep. Chris Todd $4,489.35
• Rep. Rusty Grills $4,795.72
• Rep. Tim Rudd $1,190.00(Only Representative facing a primary challenge included)

A choice between social issues and community concerns

Representative Ragan attracted headlines in recent years for proposing legislation that deals with hot button social issues. Ragan unsuccessfully sponsored bills to prohibit public universities from creating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and antidiscrimination policies.¶

He also was among the House members who declined to vote on a bill outlawing marriage between first cousins.Scarbrough has focused his campaign on community concerns like high-paying jobs, creating safe communities, and providing great schools.¶

The House district 33 challenger specifically lists protecting the state’s high education standards and accountability as a priority.¶

“Lowering our expectations will never allow our children to reach higher. Our children are our future and too much is at stake for one million Tennessee public school students for us not to have accountability at every level. Rick believes strong schools are built on transparency and that high standards today will help Tennessee students be prepared for success tomorrow,” wrote Scarbrough on his campaign website.¶

The position is a contrast from Ragan who voted in favor of an effort this year to reduce the amount of testing Tennessee students are required to take.¶