Federal, state officials to speak at Hawkins Chamber of Commerce breakfast

ROGERSVILLE — This Saturday, federal and state officials will update Hawkins County community members on the legislative issues impacting them. The Rogersville/Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Legislative Breakfast 9 a.m. Feb. 14. It will be at the American Legion Post 21, located at 1924 E. Main St., Rogersville. "This breakfast provides a valuable opportunity for attendees to stay informed, ask questions and engage directly with policymakers on matters affecting local businesses and the broader community," a news release from the Chamber said. Tickets are available to buy from the chamber's office and board members. The Chamber invited U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger, R-1st, state Sen. Bobby Harshbarger, R-Kingsport, and state Reps. Gary Hicks, R-Rogersville, and Timothy Hill, R-Rogersville, to attend. Diana Harshbarger of Kingsport represents the following counties: Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, Washington, Jefferson and Sevier. She serves on the Committee on Energy and Commerce, where she is vice chair of the Subcommittee on Health. Harshbarger also serves as co-chair of the Congressional Bipartisan Rural Health Caucus. According to the chamber's press release, Harshbarger's platform includes advancing health care reform, combating the opioid epidemic, strengthening rural broadband and promoting economic development. Bobby Harshbarger represents Hawkins and Sullivan counties in the Tennessee General Assembly. He is the second vice chair of the Health and Welfare Committee, and a member of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee as well as the Judiciary Committee. Separate from his legislative duties, Harshbarger is a member of the Kingsport Economic Development Board. Hicks represents most of Hawkins County, as well as Hancock and parts of Claiborne counties. He is the longtime chair of the House Finance Ways and Means Subcommittee. Hicks also serves on the Calendar and Rules, Health and Select Rules committees. Hill represents the eastern part Hawkins County, as well as all of Johnson County and parts of Carter and Sullivan counties. He previously held this position from 2013 to 2020, and was House Majority Whip. He returned to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 2023. Hill recently became the chair of the Disaster Relief Committee, where he will review legislation related to Hurricane Helene relief efforts. He also serves on the Calendar and Rules, Insurance and Banking, and Transportation committees. For more information, contact the chamber at 423-272-2186.