Outgoing Consumer & Human Resources Chairman to run for Jackson mayor
(NASHVILLE) — Recently, Republican lawmakers honored State Representative Jimmy Eldridge (R-Jackson) with a House Joint Resolution and brief ceremony inside the House chamber.
Last Thursday, more than two dozen colleagues joined Eldridge at the well as he reflected on his work over the past 16 years serving the men, women, and families of District 73. During the presentation, House leadership remarked on Eldridge’s ability to build strong relationships with his constituents, as well as his robust efforts championing the state’s worker’s compensation reform efforts.
In February, Chairman Eldridge announced his candidacy for mayor of Jackson. While he leaves behind an incredible legacy in Nashville, Eldridge knows his relationships and experiences as a State Representative will be extremely beneficial to his citizens at the local level.
“It has been an incredible journey over the last sixteen years, and I have enjoyed every minute of it,” said Chairman Eldridge. “I am honored to have worked with so many terrific people and am grateful that our residents have trusted me to serve as their voice in Nashville. I still have a great deal of energy that I want to take back with me to Jackson. I started in local government, and I am excited to have an opportunity to come home and hopefully continue to serve our citizens as mayor of our wonderful city.”
In 2017, Eldridge sponsored passage of House Bill 325 — part of Governor Haslam’s legislative package for the year. The measure authorizes the Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation to use money from the Subsequent Injury & Vocational Recovery Fund to provide job recovery assistance and education to employees limited by a work-related injury who may not be able to return to their current job. The legislation is also designed to cut down on the number of fraud cases involving workers’ compensation claims across the state.
It is the latest in a series of laws designed to protect Tennessee workers who have been injured on the job. In 2013, the Tennessee House of Representatives passed the Workers’ Compensation Reform Act — spearheaded by House Republicans — in order to provide more certainty for business while also protecting the interests of employees across the state.
Jimmy Eldridge is a member of the House Local Government and House Calendar & Rules Committee. He is also the Chairman of the House Consumer & Human Resources Committee and a member of the House Consumer & Human Resources Subcommittee. Eldridge lives in Jackson and represents House District 73, which is part of Madison County. He can be reached by email at Rep.Jimmy.Eldridge@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-7475.