Kerry Roberts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kerry Roberts
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Roberts in 2017
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| Member of the Tennessee Senate | |
| Assumed office January 13, 2015 |
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| Preceded by | Jim Summerville |
| Constituency | 25th district (2015–2023) 23rd district (2023–present) |
| In office March 8, 2011 – January 8, 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Ferrell Haile |
| Succeeded by | Ferrell Haile |
| Constituency | 18th district |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Bedford, Indiana, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Dianne Roberts |
| Children | 3 |
| Residence | Springfield, Tennessee |
| Education | Lipscomb University |
| Occupation | Certified Public Accountant |
Kerry E. Roberts is a Republican who serves as a state senator in Tennessee. He represents the 23rd district, which includes several counties like Robertson, Dickson, Cheatham, Humphreys, and Hickman. As a senator, he helps make laws and decisions for the people of Tennessee. He also used to host a radio show and once rode his bicycle 100 miles to help flood victims in Humphreys County.
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About Kerry Roberts
Kerry Roberts was born in Bedford, Indiana. He finished high school in 1979 and later graduated from Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1983 with a degree in Accounting.
He has been married to his wife, Dianne, since 1987. They have three children who all attended public schools. Kerry Roberts is a member of the Church of Christ and lives in Springfield, Tennessee. In 2020, he had a health issue but fully recovered.
Kerry Roberts' Career
After college, Kerry Roberts worked for a large accounting firm. In 1985, he started his own accounting business, which he later sold in 1990.
In 1990, Roberts opened a group of bicycle stores. He also became the President and Chairman of the National Bicycle Dealers Association. He had to close his stores because of losses from the 2010 Tennessee floods.
Today, Kerry Roberts owns a company called Resource Network LLC. This company helps other businesses find accounting, finance, and technology experts for temporary or contract jobs.
Serving on Committees
In the Senate, members work in groups called committees. These groups focus on specific topics like health or government operations.
Kerry Roberts used to be on the Health, Government Operations, and Environment and Tourism Senate committees. He was also the Secretary of the Health Committee.
In 2019, he was chosen to be the Chairman of the Senate Committee for Government Operations. He was also reappointed to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Being a chairman means he leads the discussions and work of that committee.
Making New Laws
Kerry Roberts has helped create important new laws in Tennessee.
Helping Kids with Special Needs
He supported a law to create a "supplemental insurance program." This program is often called a "Katie Beckett waiver." It helps families with children who have complex medical needs get assistance, no matter how much money they earn. Tennessee was the last state to start this kind of program.
Giving People a Fresh Start
Roberts also sponsored the "Fresh Start Act." This law helps make sure that people applying for professional licenses are not turned down just because of past criminal convictions. The law says that a past conviction should only stop someone if it is directly related to the job they want to do.
How Kerry Roberts Was Elected
Kerry Roberts first became a state senator in 2011. He won a special election for Senate District 18.
Running for Re-election
In 2014, he ran for re-election to the Tennessee Senate. He won the Republican primary election, which meant he was the chosen candidate for his party. Then, in the general election, he won against the Democratic candidate, Tony Gross.
In 2018, Kerry Roberts ran for re-election again. He did not have anyone running against him in his own party's primary election. In the main election, he won again, defeating the Democratic candidate, Wade Munday.
