State Rep Monty Fritts, R-Kingston, and State Sen. Richard Briggs, R-Knoxville, co-chairs of the Tennessee General Assembly’s Veterans Caucus, were joined by other lawmakers and special guests for the caucus’s first meeting of 2026.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep Monty Fritts, R-Kingston, and State Sen. Richard Briggs, R-Knoxville, co-chairs of the Tennessee General Assembly’s Veterans Caucus, were joined by other lawmakers and special guests for the caucus’s first meeting of 2026.
The Veterans Caucus, made up primarily of lawmakers who served in the United States armed forces or spouses of those who served, advocates for veterans’ rights and benefits and raises awareness of issues affecting veterans.
“The securing of our Creator-endowed rights requires a strong volunteer military force,” Fritts said. “Those who answered that call to serve, sometimes at great personal cost, upheld their oath to protect this state and nation. Now, we have a responsibility to uphold our commitment to them. Through the Veterans Caucus, we will continue pushing to expand resources, strengthen support systems and improve the quality of life for those who have served.”
In the meeting, the caucus discussed ways to make Tennessee even more appealing for veterans, including improving access to benefits and ways to increase funding for those benefits.
“I am encouraged by the legislation drafted by the members of this body. As a state, we should uphold our commitment to Tennessee veterans by fully supporting promised initiatives such as educational assistance programs and property tax relief,” Briggs said. “Veterans and veterans’ service organizations should not have to come hat in hand to secure funding that has previously been approved. I urge members of the General Assembly to consider establishing a dedicated revenue stream to ensure veterans receive the consistent support they have earned. I hope the legislature will give serious and thoughtful consideration to the constitutional measure I have sponsored.”
In addition to ensuring veterans receive the care they have earned, the caucus also emphasized working with state leadership to highlight the impact and return on investment Tennessee gains through these resources.
Veterans contribute nearly $33 billion annually to Tennessee’s economy through earned benefits, healthcare expenditures and related federal support, according to data from the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services (TDVS).
A County Service Officer (CSO) from TDVS gave an in-depth report on the current funding and staffing by county. Side-by-side comparisons showed how additional investments in CSOs benefit veterans in their communities and strengthen local economies.
The presentation highlighted that investing in veterans is an investment in our communities and our economy.
Tennessee is home to more than 440,000 veterans, 17,000 active-duty service members and 27,000 National Guard/Reserve members.
Monty Fritts represents District 32 which includes parts of Loudon and Roane counties.
Richard Briggs represents District 7 which includes part of Knox County.
###