State Rep. Monte Bridal urges fiscal restraint, outlines legislative activity

State Rep. Monte Bridal (District 32) addressed the Roane County Commission on May 12 with a legislative update, saying he opposed the current state budget and offering a summary of bills affecting veterans, education and public safety.

Bridal told commissioners he voted against the budget this year because he said state spending has grown 59% over six years and that the budget prioritizes growth in state expenditures over infrastructure needs like water and sewage. He said he offered eight budget amendments totaling $110,000,000 with less than a 2% reduction to the overall budget, but none passed.

He listed priorities he pushed, including funding for veteran service officers and community counseling, and noted recent legislative activity on firearms and liability protections for manufacturers. "In 6 years, the Tennessee state budget has grown by 59%. That's unsustainable," Bridal said. He also discussed bills affecting bail and bond that, he said, may increase county jail populations and associated costs for local governments.

Bridal described coordination with federal and state partners on environmental issues, including discussions with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about barriers for Asian carp at Watts Bar and Chickamauga.

The representative acknowledged some local funding pressures and encouraged local leaders to continue advocacy in Nashville and Washington, D.C., on issues that affect Roane County.