Joyce Neal

Joyce Neal was born in Omaha, Nebraska. She served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1978 to 2012. She earned a bachelor's degree from Tennessee State University in 1990, a graduate degree from Tennessee State University in 2000, and graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University in 2021. Her career experience includes working as an adjunct professor.[1]

Neal has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]

Women Veterans of America-Nashville Music City Chapter 20

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated

Davidson County Democrat Executive Committee

Davidson County Democratic Women

Tennessee State Employees Association

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

Women In Numbers

Metropolitan Nashville Police Department Community Advisory Board

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born in Omaha, NE, and raised in Clarksville, TN. I am a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. I am not a politician, but I am involved in my community through numerous local organizations. I value honesty, integrity, and transparency, and I can be reached at (615) 498-7925. I served in the Army/Army Reserve and retired after a 30-year career. I was also employed by the State of Tennessee, where I managed a statewide Medicaid program. I earned my bachelor's degree in Sociology and my master's degree in General Psychology from Tennessee State University, and my Doctorate in Education from Trevecca Nazarene University. My faith and belief are in God, as he is the Judge for all humankind.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Family. Family, in my opinion, is the most significant component of our communities. Even if our family members have made poor choices, we must always stand by them.Honesty. Even when my candor may not align with people' views or beliefs, I think they should hear the facts.Transparency. I think it's critical to keep my doors open to my constituents. It is my mission as an elected representative to keep the people who elected me informed about every development in Congress.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Affordable healthcare insurance. Pre-K through 12 public education. Restoration of voting rights and the Department of Education. Women's and children's healthcare. Maintaining veterans' benefits. Government assistance for Black and rural county farmers. Continuation of Social Security for retirees. Continued/increased funding of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). Affordable housing. A ban on assault weapons. Palestine deserves to be recognized as a State. Legalize and tax marijuana use in America.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My mother was someone I admired. Her children's needs always came before her own. Her forgiveness of her children, despite their errors and poor choices, is an example I would like to emulate.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, Integrity, and Transparency. An elected official must always tell the truth to the people they represent. Never should an elected official compromise their morals for private benefit. Every time a bill is presented to the House, an elected official is required to inform the electorate of its advantages and disadvantages.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Anyone elected to this position must do so without anticipating favors or personal gain in return for their vote. It is the duty of whoever is elected to this position to regularly host town hall meetings and inform their constituents. The United States Constitution must be upheld by anyone elected to this position.

What legacy would you like to leave?

One thing that cannot be taken away from you is earned education.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I attended Saratoga Elementary in the fifth grade. Mr. Hugues was my teacher. He told us that President Kennedy had been assassinated when we got back from lunch. I was eleven years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

In the tenth grade, I worked as a dessert maker at a restaurant. I spent roughly six months in that role.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Although I don't have a favorite book, I occasionally enjoy reading psychology journals.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Superwoman, since she could fly and hear the cries of people who needed to be saved.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

The capacity to build close friend relationships.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The capacity to develop an American budget.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

No.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Restoring honesty, integrity, and bipartisanship in America.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes, but there needs to be a limit on the terms.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

The House of Representatives should serve six terms for a total of 12 years, and Senate members should serve two terms for a total of 12 years. Homesteading should not be allowed in Congress.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Jim Cooper (D-TN) was conservative in his use of public monies, and Barbara Jordan (D-TX) was a gifted orator.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

I would support a budget that is balanced. I wouldn't support financing for any department if it weren't designated for a certain purpose.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

Rumors or a personal grudge shouldn't be the basis for starting an investigation. Gaining favor with the President should not be the purpose of the House hearings.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Earning my Doctorate Degree in Education.

What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

To stop those who create artificial intelligence from defrauding or posing as people for their own benefit, federal legislation should be passed.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?

Legislation that would permanently prohibit the purchase or possession of assault weapons that may quickly kill a large number of people is what I would enact.