GOPAC.org

Each week GOPAC will spotlight a candidate running for election. This week’s candidate is State Senator Diane Black of Tennessee.

Throughout her years in public service, Tennessee Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Diane Black has worked tirelessly to bring innovative changes to the state’s health care system. A registered nurse, she has fought to provide more long term care options for Tennessee seniors and for other innovative health care reforms. Diane is also known for her leadership role in championing conservative legislation in Tennessee like protecting the life of the unborn, fiscal responsibility, less government control, lower taxes, and traditional marriage. In addition, she has been a key leader in Tennessee’s war on crime, guiding to passage several major bills aimed at protecting children from sex offenders. Diane currently represents the18th Senate District which includes Robertson County and the vast majority of Sumner County, one of the fastest growing counties in Tennessee. She previously served three two-year terms in the Tennessee House of Representatives for the 45th District, where she fought against legislation that would have imposed a state income tax. She was elected to the Senate in 2004. Two years later, she was elected by her peers to the leadership role of Senate Republican Caucus Chairman, becoming the first woman in Tennessee history to hold that position.

Besides serving in the General Assembly’s top leadership group, Diane is a member of the Senate General Welfare Health and Human Resources Committee, Judiciary Committee, Finance Committee, TennCare Oversight Committee, Select Committee on Long Term Care, and Select Committee on Children and Youth.

Diane’s awards and accolades are numerous and include the 2008 Champions for Seniors from the Assisted Federation of America, Tennessee Home Education Association Outstanding Legislative and Community Service Award, and the Junior League of Tennessee’s Legislator of the Year Award. Over her years of service, some of the other honors she received includes the American Heart Association’s "Outstanding State Senator" Award; Tennessee Nurses Association Legislator of the Year; and Right to Life’s Legislator of the Year.

Diane began working in health care after receiving an associate’s degree in nursing in 1971. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Belmont University in 1992. She has worked in emergency rooms and has taught at Volunteer State Community College as an Assistant Professor of Allied Health. She served as Executive Director of Sumner Regional Health Systems Foundation and development director for the Middle Tennessee YMCA. She lives in Gallatin with her husband David, where she has been a Sunday School teacher for over 20 years at Saint Timothy Lutheran Church. They have three children and five grandchildren.

To learn more about Sen. Black, please visit her website: www.DianeBlack.org or email her at DianeBlackForSenate@gmail.com.

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