Govenor Lee Signs Legislation For Veterans

Thanks to the efforts of the Montgomery County Veterans Coalition and State Representative Jason Hodges, the State of Tennessee has taken steps through newly passed legislation to encourage veterans to take advantage of the opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors at Tennessee State parks. HB322, sponsored by Representative Jason Hodges and Dr. Richard Briggs, was signed into law by Governor Bill Lee in May. The bill as passed gives Tennessee veteran residents with a 100% disability rating a 50% discount on all lodging in state parks, to include cabins, hotels, and campgrounds.

“This legislation is an important part of building strong families and more stable environments for veteran households”, according to MCVC Executive Director Sherry Pickering. One study by researchers from the VA and the University of Michigan showed a positive correlation between outdoor activities and long-term psychological well-being. Veterans were surveyed one week before, one week after, and one month after a wilderness experience. Physical and mental health issues that were interfering with their daily lives were reported by more than half the participants prior to the study. Two thirds of the participants reported a 10% or greater improvement in the reduction in their stress levels, social functioning, and an overall sense of well-being one week after the outdoor activity. These results echo those of another study conducted by Dr. Jennifer Romesser, a clinical psychologist with the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System in Utah. Romesser says, “Nature can help reconnect Veterans with the experience of positive emotion and develop a renewed sense of awe and appreciation for the outdoors.” That’s exactly what Pickering hopes. “We need to get veterans out and active. Going to state parks is a way for them to be in an environment in which they’re comfortable. And with the discount, even veterans on disability can afford to enjoy a state park,” Pickering adds. “This part of a larger effort to reduce our devastating veteran suicide number. This program allows our veterans to come to our parks to reconnect with their families in an environment that promotes peace and tranquility.”

In 2019, Tennessee was home to more than 460,000 veterans, and 21,000 of those have a 100% disability rating. While the new legislation could amount to approximately $40,000 in lost revenue for state parks, that is easily offset by the more than $2.9 billion contributed annually into the state’s economy by veterans, with an additional $2.8 million from education, vocation, and employment benefits.

The MCVC would like to give a special thanks to Legislative Liaison Ronnie Glenn, Communication and Education Specialist Savannah Renslow, MCVC member Curtis Driver, and Senator Dr. Richard Briggs.