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Articles by Ken Yager
Vote YES on Amendment 2 to protect Tennessee taxpayers
A home where you raise your children. A farm your family has worked for generations. A small business you built from the ground up. These represent years of hard work, sacrifice and investment. Tennessee taxpayers deserve protection from another layer of taxes on what they have worked so hard to build. With early voting underway, Tennesseans have an opportunity to put that protection in our state constitution. I encourage you to join me in voting YES on Amendment 2 to ban a state property tax.
A nuclear opportunity to power a new era of rural prosperity
For generations, rural Tennessee has helped power our state, build our economy and answer the call when our country needed us. Today, we have another opportunity in front of us, one that deserves a serious look because of what it could mean for the families and communities throughout the 12th Senatorial District.
The death penalty still has a place in Tennessee | Opinion Original
The murder of a Tennessee corrections officer and crimes against children underscore why many believe the death penalty remains a necessary tool for justice in the state's most heinous cases. Ken Yager Guest Columnist Aug. 4, 2026, 5:07 a.m. CT A civilized society has both the right and the responsibility to distinguish between ordinary crimes and acts of pure evil. Tennessee's death penalty exists for that reason.
The death penalty still has a place in Tennessee
A civilized society has both the right and the responsibility to distinguish between ordinary crimes and acts of pure evil. Tennessee's death penalty exists for that reason. It is reserved for the worst offenders who commit the most heinous crimes imaginable, and it remains an essential part of our criminal justice system.
12th District is home to Tennessee's finest state parks
One of Tennessee’s many notable attractions are its 66 state parks. They are free to the public and open 365 days a year. Most are only a short drive away and offer fun for the whole family. You can find waterfalls, history, wildlife, wildflowers, hiking, camping, and much more. And you can expect a red-carpet reception from our outstanding park employees. The newest state park is Fort Southwest Point Historic State Park in Roane County, which opened earlier this month.
Memorial Day: Remembering the price of freedom
On Memorial Day, Americans pause to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Across Tennessee and throughout the nation, flags are placed at gravesites, prayers are offered in small-town ceremonies, and families gather in quiet remembrance of loved ones who never came home. Memorial Day is more than the unofficial start of summer. It is one of the most sacred observances in our country because it reminds us that freedom is not free.
Balanced budget reflects Tennessee’s conservative leadership
The state budget dominated much of the conversation in the General Assembly during Week 13 of this year’s legislative session and for good reason. Passing a balanced budget is the only constitutional responsibility of the legislature, and it is one we take seriously every single year. Tennessee continues to set the standard for fiscal responsibility.
Ken Yager: Budget priorities, innovation, and protecting Tennessee’s future
As the Tennessee General Assembly nears adjournment, the pace of work in Nashville has reached its peak. Senate committees have now closed for the session, with the exception of Finance, Ways and Means, which is tasked with finalizing the state budget. That proposal will soon head to the full Senate for a vote. By the time you read this, action may already have been taken.
Ken Yager — Budget focus and protecting Tennessee’s future
Week 11 of the General Assembly began with the release of Governor Bill Lee’s amendment to his FY 2026–27 budget proposal, which was originally introduced in February. The administration has been working on this budget for many months, and the amendment reflects updated revenue estimates and new funding priorities.
Ken Yager — Supporting local first responders, teaching history right and protecting children
Week 9 of the legislative session was a busy one with committees meeting daily and important legislation advancing through the process. The legislature is moving toward adjournment in late April. In fact, some committees are finishing their business and closing. Here are some bills I presented this week. In the Health & Welfare Committee I presented the Senate Bill 2221, the annual ambulance assessment bill to support emergency services across Tennessee.
Ken Yager — Week 8 legislative update: Conservation, rural water and school choice
Week 8 saw a great deal of activity in Senate committees as we continued reviewing legislation for the year. All nine Senate committees are busy hearing bills that have been referred to them, and many important measures are moving through the process. This week, I presented three significant bills in the Senate Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. After hearing testimony and discussing the proposals, the committee passed all three unanimously on bipartisan votes.
Speaker McNally announces retirement after 46 years of service; Senate committees continue busy schedule
At the end of last week, surprising news came from the Senate as Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally announced he will not seek re-election in 2026, concluding an extraordinary 46 years of service in the Tennessee House and Senate. I first met Lieutenant Governor McNally in 1978. At the time, he was running for the House of Representatives, and his district included the Lawnville precinct in Roane County. I was running for County Attorney at the time.
Policy solutions for Tennessee: Disaster relief, health care and children
Week 6 of the General Assembly has come to a close, and the Senate took up several important measures that will have a direct impact on communities across our state. From strengthening disaster relief resources and advancing rural health care initiatives to supporting children and families, it was a productive week focused on practical solutions for Tennesseans. I presented my first bill on the Senate floor this year on behalf of Governor Bill Lee and Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin).
Ken Yager: Supporting first responders, protecting life, and visiting with constituents
As we move deeper into this year’s legislative session, the pace of activity in the General Assembly is picking up, just as it does every year once committees are fully underway. Bills are now advancing from committee hearings to consideration on the Senate floor for final votes, and we are working through a number of proposals that directly impact our local communities.
Ken Yager - Serving our communities: A productive start to the Legislative Session
The Tennessee General Assembly has now completed its fourth week of session. Despite losing valuable time due to severe winter weather across our state, we are back up to speed and fully engaged in the important work Tennesseans sent us here to do. The deadline to file legislation has now passed, and the Senate’s nine standing committees are beginning the careful process of reviewing bills. In the Senate, a bill must pass a committee before it can be considered by the full Senate.
Working for Tennessee: priorities and progress in the 2026 legislative session
The Tennessee General Assembly kicked off the 2026 legislative session last week. It’s good to get back to work for the people of our state. As we settle in, our focus is clear: keeping our communities safe, managing the budget responsibly, and making Tennessee an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. In the coming weeks, legislators will be busy filing hundreds of bills ahead of the January 29 deadline.
The History of Pooping on El Capitan, By the Decades
Published December 18, 2025 04:00AM It’s not talked about much, but everyone must poop—even the climbers on Yosemite’s El Capitan. It is not an easy task, especially with a harness on. For some, it can also be socially awkward to take care of your bodily functions while hanging on the wall next to your climbing partner. Pooping on a wall is not like hiking, where you can wander off to get some privacy.
How a Bunch of Dirtbag Climbers Helped Save Yosemite’s Peregrine Falcons
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app. Last summer, headlines celebrated the recovery of the peregrine falcon in Yosemite National Park. In the ‘70s, experts thought that this endangered bird had all but disappeared from the park—but then climbers stumbled upon a nesting pair. Through the efforts of a creative program and a few willing climbers, the peregrine has made a remarkable comeback.
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Yager invites citizens to capitol as 114th General Assembly convenes
On Jan. 14, Tennessee lawmakers from across the state gathered on Capitol Hill in Nashville to mark the beginning of the 114th General Assembly. The start of a new legislative session is always an exciting time. It’s a season full of new ideas for legislation fueled by the shared enthusiasm of lawmakers committed to improving state government and championing the needs of their districts.
TN law bans trans children from gender-affirming care. SCOTUS must uphold that. | Opinion
As a sponsor of SB 1, I firmly believe our law, which passed overwhelmingly in Tennessee, aligns with constitutional principles and merits the US Supreme Court’s thoughtful consideration. Show Caption Hide Caption Tennessee Voices: Conversation with Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti spoke with The Tennessean Opinion and Engagement Director David Plazas.
TN law bans trans children from gender-affirming care. SCOTUS must uphold that. | Opinion Original
As a sponsor of SB 1, I firmly believe our law, which passed overwhelmingly in Tennessee, aligns with constitutional principles and merits the US Supreme Court’s thoughtful consideration. Show Caption Hide Caption Tennessee Voices: Conversation with Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti spoke with The Tennessean Opinion and Engagement Director David Plazas.
State Sen. Ken Yager Weekly Legislative Update
On Capitol Hill this week, Senate committees were in full swing. In the first week of budget hearings from state departments and agencies, Senate committees approved eleven of sixty-three total budgets. Lawmakers also advanced many important bills to protect children, improve school safety and increase educational opportunities. The Senate will need to approve all budgets for all state departments and agencies before the legislative session can close.
Yager honors veterans, agrees with Thomas Paine
Please join me this Veterans Day, Nov. 11, in honoring the veterans who have served bravely in our armed forces. It is a day to recognize them for all they have done to ensure our country remains the beacon of freedom to the rest of the world. For more than 247 years, our military has protected the ideals of freedom and democracy. It’s not machines nor technologies, but the people that we honor on Veterans Day.
Yager: Honoring our veterans
Please join me this Veterans Day in honoring the veterans who have served bravely in our armed forces. It is a day to recognize them for all they have done to ensure our country remains the beacon of freedom to the rest of the world. For more than 247 years, our military has protected the ideals of freedom and democracy. It's not machines nor technologies, but the people that we honor on Veterans Day.
UT-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute will help make Tennessee a national leader in STEM
The institute will train more Tennesseans for high-paying jobs in manufacturing, energy and data science, and it will become a national model for collaborative research, interdisciplinary education and workforce development. Randy McNally and Ken Yager Guest columnists Tennessee is becoming a hub for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) talent and discovery. An integral component of that goal is the University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) in Oak Ridge.
Yager: For 50 years, RSCC is a testament to how access, affordability and resources can change communities
State Sen. Ken Yager, R-Kingston, represents Scott County as part of the 12th Senatorial District. For 50 years, Roane State Community College has been an economic, cultural and educational leader, partnering with communities, business and government to effect positive changes throughout our region. In my opinion, the founding of Roane State ranks among the three most significant events in recent history, including the Tennessee Valley Authority and Manhattan Project.
Letters: Never forget Kimmelman, Holocaust, senator says
Ken Yager/Letters Thursday Aug 29, 2019 at 2:44 PM I was pleased to read that the late Mira Kimmelman was recently memorialized by Lt. Gov. McNally and others. To the Editor: I was pleased to read that the late Mira Kimmelman was recently memorialized by Lt. Gov. McNally and others. I will always remember her willingness to speak to Roane County students at our annual student government day event, held when I was Roane County executive.
Commentary: Enjoy one of Tennessee’s state parks this summer
School is out and summer is in! And, there is nowhere better to enjoy summer activities than Tennessee’s beautiful state parks. There is a state park within an hour’s drive of just about anywhere in Tennessee.
New laws passed by legislature aid crime victims: Ken Yager
I hear from a lot of people in my role as state senator for the 12th District of Tennessee, but nothing tugs at my heartstrings more than the heartbreaking stories of victims of crime. Our General Assembly has worked very hard to seek justice and help support crime victims over the past several years. This includes passage of a new law I sponsored this year to help our most vulnerable victims: children.
Why Companies Really Fail -- External Factors
Home / Blogs / Read Blog Recipient's Email Address(es) (Separate multiple addresses with a comma) Your Email Address Send a copy to myself Your Message (optional) Why Companies Really Fail -- External Factors March 02, 2016, 07:00 AM By: Ken Yager Topic: Turnaround Management Why does a company really fall into distress? While the problems are visible on the financials, the true causes go deeper than the numbers and into the operations of the business.
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