Submitted by Lee Dobson, Area Director, Government Affairs (GAO)

Republican Sen. Tommy Tucker of Union County announced that he won’t seek a fifth term in 2018.  Sen. Tucker co-chairs the influential Senate Finance Committee. “I have long believed in term limits for judges and politicians,” he said in a statement to the Charlotte Observer. “After serving four terms in the N.C. Senate, the time has come for me to allow others to step in and serve Union County and our state.”

Our relationship with Sen. Tucker started back in 2011 when Hearts for Home Care Ambassador John Morris and I visited with him in his district office to introduce him to BAYADA and home care.  That visit led to a home visit where he was able to see first-hand the impact home care has on his constituent.  Over the years and as he rose through the ranks, we met with Sen. Tucker numerous times, attended legislative receptions for him, as well as, visited with him at Lobby Days.  His door is always open for BAYADA.  He was instrumental in ensuring the CAP-C rate increase for nursing was put in the Senate’s budget and that it was ultimately passed.  Sen. Tucker was BAYADA’s Legislator of the Year 2016. We thank Sen. Tucker for his commitment and support of our staff and clients.  His vision and leadership will be missed.