For 36 years, TNSTEP has served families of children and youth with disabilities as Tennessee’s designated Parent Training and Information Center under the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs. With more than 195,000 families accessing early childhood and special education services across the state, the need for TNSTEP’s support continues to grow.
With the support of Representative David Hawk, TNSTEP is requesting dedicated state funding through House Appropriations Amendment 224 to expand staff and programs. This investment would allow TNSTEP to reach more families, with an increased focus on serving rural communities, supporting foster families, and strengthening collaboration with schools, state agencies, and referring organizations.
A companion effort in the Senate, supported by Senator Becky Massey, is expected in the coming weeks. At that time, we will launch a second phase of outreach to Tennessee Senators.
Because the House amendment has been filed first, our initial outreach is focused on members of the Tennessee House of Representatives. We'd appreciate your support.
If you or someone in your life has been positively impacted by TNSTEP’s work — or you represent an organization that refers families to TNSTEP — please consider reaching out to your rep. Your voice can make a difference.
Here’s how you can help:
Step 1: Find your representative by visiting
https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/LegislatorInfo/ and entering your address under “Find My Legislator.” Select your House Representative.
Step 2: You may email your representative directly from their webpage or by opening your email in a new window. We’ve included their email addresses in the list below, along with a template for inspiration and convenience.
Step 3: Come back to this form and let TNSTEP know who you contacted by selecting their name and clicking “Submit.”
That’s it! This form does not send the email — it simply helps us track which legislators have been contacted.
Email Template
Suggested Subject Line:
Constituent Request: Please Support House Appropriations Amendment 224
Dear Representative _________,
My name is _________, and I live in ______ County in District _____. I am writing to ask for your support of House Appropriations Amendment 224, carried by David Hawk, which would allow TNSTEP to expand its services for families navigating early childhood and special education across all 95 counties in Tennessee, including families in our district.
TNSTEP provides training and support that help parents come to school planning meetings informed, prepared, and empowered with the knowledge and tools to support their children and work effectively with school teams to ensure their children have what they need to succeed. When families understand their rights and the special education process, students benefit — and schools benefit as well.
(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,