The Facts on Greg’s Voting Record
We created this page to help answer some questions we are getting about these misleading attacks and mischaracterizations of his views and voting record. As always, voters can reach Greg Martin directly via email at [email protected] or (423) 596-7338.
HB127: Expansion of restraints
I am a product of Hamilton County Schools as are my children. My wife is a public school teacher, and almost every night we have a conversation about how we can help improve public school education.
My wife and I know that the greatest schools are the schools where parents are engaged and involved in their child’s success.
This past year, I supported and voted for legislation that brought the largest salary increase for teachers in our state’s history, directly impacting 7,588 teachers and raising the minimum salary from $28,000 to $50,000 by school year 2026-2027 — which will move Tennessee into the Top 10 states with the highest paid teachers.
HB1202: AUTHORIZATION FOR TEACHERS TO CARRY HANDGUN ON SCHOOL GROUNDS.
Yes, Representative Greg Martin did vote for HB1202 for several reasons but most of them had nothing to do with District 26. Greg’s opponent leaves out that this law is 100% voluntary and cannot be implemented without local control.
Locally, Hamilton County Superintendent and our Hamilton County Sheriff have already stated they would not support arming teachers in Hamilton County. The bill allows them to do exactly that, and that is why this is a non-issue for District 26.
Greg supported the bill because many school systems across Tennessee – in areas you may never pass through – do not have the same resources as Hamilton County and other metro areas. They too deserve every tool available to allow the teachers and administrators in these schools that ability to protect their children.
This law is about empowering teachers and principals who want to be prepared to defend the children they love should a situation ever unfold where someone threatens or tries to harm students inside the school.
As of today, 32 states have passed some type of law that allows teachers to carry under certain and limited circumstances. And, there is no record of any accidents.
We can all rally around PROTECTING CHILDREN and not allowing our schools to be the targets for the savage and deranged. And yes, we all want our students to just be kids, have fun, and learn in a safe place so they can get the education they deserve.
Today, more than 500 schools across TN have the funds for an SRO but they can’t find
sworn officers to take the job. This law is just another tool that local school districts can use if the sheriff, superintendent, and principals deem it necessary. We are fortunate in Hamilton County to have an abundance of SRO, and this option is not needed in our community.
Greg’s wife, Sheila, works in education, including several years teaching your children in District 26 schools. I promise her and you that I will always do everything within my power to make sure our students, faculty, and administrators are safe and protected.
You can count on Greg Martin to stand tall for the best policies and every resource necessary to protect our schools.
