For 36 years, TNSTEP has walked alongside families of children and youth with disabilities across Tennessee—and right now, there’s a real opportunity to expand that impact.
This is the moment when outreach matters most. Budget decisions are being made now.
If you or someone in your life has been impacted by TNSTEP—or if you work with families who rely on our support—please take a minute to reach out to both your State Representative and your State Senator. Ask them to support House Appropriations Amendment 224 and Senate Appropriations Amendment 221 that would provide dedicated state funding for TNSTEP that would allow us to expand our staff and services.
When legislators hear directly from the people they serve, it shapes what moves forward.
The Senate amendment is led by Senator Massey, with Senators Pody, Briggs, Hatcher, White, Lamar, and Crowe as co-sponsors. The House amendment is led by Representative David Hawk, with additional representatives committing to support it.
Every voice matters. Thank you for being part of this.
Here’s how you can help:
Step 1: Find your legislators by visiting
https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/LegislatorInfo/ and entering your address under “Find My Legislator.” Take note of both your State Representative and State Senator.
Step 2: Reach out by email or phone. You can email them directly from their webpages or use your own email. We’ve included contact information below, along with a template you can use.
Step 3: Come back to this form and let TNSTEP know who you contacted by selecting their names and clicking “Submit.”
That’s it! This form does not send your message—it simply helps us track outreach.
Email Template
Suggested Subject Line:
Constituent Request: Support Appropriations Amendment for TNSTEP
Dear _________,
My name is _________, and I live in ______ County in your district.
I am writing to ask you to support Senate Appropriations Amendment 221 / House Appropriations Amendment 224 for state funding for TNSTEP, Tennessee's only federally designated Parent Training and Information Center that serves all 95 counties in Tennessee.
TNSTEP helps parents of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs navigate early childhood and special education services by providing training and support that builds knowledge, confidence, and skills to participate in educational planning meetings in a meaningful way. When families are empowered and engaged in the special education process, students and classrooms benefit.
(Share a brief personal or professional impact story here.)
Thank you for your service to our district and for your consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
(Your name and address)