State Rep. Sam McKenzie asks Knoxville voters for support, criticizes school voucher spending and corporate tax breaks

State Rep. Sam McKenzie, a Democrat representing Tennessee’s 15th District, asked Knoxville residents for their support and used a brief recorded message to press several policy priorities, including opposition to a large school voucher program and renewed investment in roads and local businesses.

"We're going to spend roughly $1 billion on this school voucher program," McKenzie said, calling it a misnamed "scholarship" that takes money "out of our savings account to give it to people that don't need it." He added that some recipients are "making half million dollars, $750,000," and argued those funds should instead bolster public schools.

McKenzie said Tennessee ranks "51st in the nation in per pupil giving," a comparison he used to underscore his call for increased education funding. He urged residents to take politics seriously because decisions in Nashville affect local roads, schools and economic development.

Speaking about infrastructure, McKenzie warned that Knoxville could face substantially worse congestion if county leaders and the state do not invest in roads now. "If we don't do some things about our roads here in Knox County, we're going to be Nashville in three to five years," he said, citing his monthly trips to Nashville as evidence of the problems he wants to avoid locally.

On economic policy, McKenzie criticized past tax incentives to large companies, naming FedEx as an example and saying the region "gave away a billion dollars" in tax breaks that did not produce expected hiring. He called for more investment in small businesses while acknowledging the need to support major employers.

McKenzie closed by reminding voters of his committee work in the state legislature — including service on education, state and local government, health and ethics committees — and his role as the minority whip in the House Democratic caucus. He encouraged voters to "listen to the candidates" and "choose the best candidate" in November, and provided a legislative contact at reprep.cap.tn.gov.

The message contained no formal motions or votes; McKenzie framed the remarks as a campaign appeal and a summary of priorities he says he will continue to defend in Nashville.