Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Ken Yager (R-Kingston) has been appointed to several key committees in the Senate, including the powerful Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee. The announcement was made by Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally as the legislature wrapped up the first week of the 2019 session.

McNally said, “In addition to his crucial role as our Republican Caucus Chairman, I am grateful Senator Yager has agreed to serve on some of the Senate’s most important committees, including the powerful Finance Committee. Senator Yager’s leadership is one of the key reasons Tennessee is one of the best states in the nation to live, work, raise a family and retire. His keen intellect and wealth of experience on these committees will be critical as we work to keep Tennessee on the right track.”

Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Bo Watson (R-Hixson) said, “Senator Yager brings much expertise to our committee, including vast budget experience at the county level. No one knows how the state budget affects our counties and cities better than he does, particularly those in the state’s rural areas. He will be a valuable asset to the committee and we look forward to working with him as we do the most important job our General Assembly is charged with: construction of a state budget that best serves the people of Tennessee.”

The Finance, Ways and Means Committee is responsible for all measures relating to the state budget, taxes and the issuance of bonds. Yager will continue serving on the State and Local Government Committee, which he chaired before being elected Republican Caucus Chair. The State and Local Government Committee hears all matters pertaining state and local governments in general, including utility districts, employees, ordinances, boundary lines, veterans’ affairs, penal and correctional institutions, alcoholic beverages and election laws.

“I was very pleased to be appointed to these committees,” Yager said. “These assignments will help me represent the people of the 12^th Senatorial district to the fullest as we seek to make Tennessee an even greater state to live.”

Yager represents Campbell, Fentress, Morgan, Rhea, Roane, Pickett and Scott counties in Senate District 12. He and his wife, Malinda, live in Kingston.