Tracy Honored as “Advocate of the Year”
Senator Presented Award by the American Heart Association

Nashville, Tenn.  – Sen. Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) was recently named “Tennessee Advocate of the Year” by the American Heart Association for his efforts to help limit the harmful effects of second hand smoke in Tennessee.

“Because of Senator Tracy’s leadership, Tennessee had a new dawn on October 1,” said Nathan James, Advocacy Director for the American Heart Association.  “Tennessee became the first ‘tobacco state’ to put the health of its citizens first.”

Tracy led a bipartisan coalition to help guide the “Non-Smoker Protection Act” through the legislature.  The bill, which passed earlier this year, took effect on October 1st.  

“This legislation was a big step for Tennessee,” said Tracy.  “It is a commonsense way for us to encourage healthy living and save lives.  I am truly grateful for this honor, and I look forward to working with the American Heart Association in the future.”

The American Heart Association is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is “building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.”  More information about the American Heart Association can be found at their website: www.americanheart.org.

Tracy is currently serving his first term in the State Senate.  He is the Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. He also serves on the Senate Education Committee, Senate State and Local Government Committee and Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR).