(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) — House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland) and Assistant Majority Leader Ron Gant (R-Rossville) today announced that State Representative Dan Howell (R-Cleveland) has been chosen as a co-prime sponsor to shepherd House Bill 951 through the legislative process on behalf of Republican leadership.
House Bill 951 is part of Governor Lee’s legislative package for the year, which is traditionally sponsored by the House Majority Leader and Assistant Majority Leader. Because of Representative Howell’s leadership abilities and his passion for advocating on behalf of Tennesseans with intellectual or developmental disabilities, Representative Howell is the ideal person to handle all details relating to this measure.
“Representative Howell is passionate about and has fought for Tennesseans with developmental or intellectual disabilities and their caretakers,” said Leader Lamberth. “I know he will do a great job guiding this initiative through the legislative process, and I look forward to working with him to ensure it passes.”
“I appreciate Representative Howell’s willingness to guide this legislation through the House,” said Assistant Leader Gant. “House Bill 951 will have an incredible impact on our disabled citizens and their families, and I appreciate Representative Howell’s advocacy on their behalf.”
House Bill 951 removes licensure requirements for citizens who provide direct care to a group of no more than three people with intellectual or developmental disabilities in a Medicaid home or community-based services program. The overall goal is to increase the quality of care available, so these important groups are empowered to live successfully in their communities.
“I am grateful to our Governor, and our House leadership team for asking me to carry this important initiative that will have a tremendous benefit and improve the quality of care for our intellectually, and developmentally disabled citizens and their families,” said Representative Howell. “I have prioritized the needs of these groups throughout my time serving in our General Assembly, and I will continue to fight for additional resources that support them.”
House Bill 951 advanced out of the House Mental Health & Substance Abuse Subcommittee on Wednesday morning. It will now head to the full Health Committee.
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Dan Howell is the Chairman of the House Transportation Committee. He is also a member of member of the House Government Operations, and House Judiciary Committees, as well as the Civil Justice, Infrastructure, and Safety & Funding Subcommittees. Howell lives in Cleveland and represents Tennessee House District 22, which includes Meigs, Polk, and part of Bradley Counties.