In Brief: Tennessee’s child care shortage isn’t just a funding problem — it’s also a red tape problem. Over the past several years, TQEE and partners have worked to name the regulatory barriers that make it harder to open, expand, and operate child care in our state, and to pass targeted legislation that removes unnecessary friction while…
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2026 Legislative Wrap-Up
On April 24th, 2026 the 114th Tennessee General Assembly adjourned. Below is a summary of the budget and legislative wins we’re celebrating, and some unfinished business we’ll continue to pursue. Review our full list of priorities for the 2026 legislative session HERE. First: The 2026-27 Budget Governor Bill Lee marked the close of his final…
» Read More2026 Budget Priorities + Legislative Hotlist
Each year upon the convening of the Tennessee General Assembly, TQEE reviews the Governor’s budget and 1000+ bills filed by legislators. We determine which items are both aligned to our policy blueprint and can have a meaningful impact. Then we add those alongside the bills we’re already championing and lean in with advocacy. Check out…
» Read More2026 Policy Priorities
A Strong Start for Tennessee’s Children Nearly 60% of TN’s third-graders are below proficient in reading and math. That’s not just a statistic — it’s a signal that too many children start school already behind; and too many never catch up. A strong early learning foundation is crucial for children to succeed in school and…
» Read MoreChild Care in the 2025 Federal Tax Reconciliation Package
The final version of the 2025 tax reconciliation package (One Big Beautiful Bill Act – H.R.1) was signed into law on July 4th, 2025. The bill permanently improves three pieces of tax policy that help make child care more affordable for working families with young children. TQEE’s child care study: Workforce of Today and Tomorrow: The…
» Read MoreTennessee Kindergarten Readiness: Data Reveals Concerning Gaps
Are Tennessee’s Children Ready for Kindergarten? New Data from the Northeast Consortium Says “Not Yet” for Too Many What does it mean to be ready for kindergarten? In Tennessee, it means more than just knowing your ABCs or counting to ten. True readiness is about the whole child—socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively prepared to thrive…
» Read MoreTennessee Cuts Red Tape to Expand Access to Child Care
With child care in short supply across Tennessee—and the private market failing to meet rising demand—state lawmakers are finding new ways to foster industry growth, including tackling regulatory reform. A new law, public chapter 276, will cut some of the red tape that makes it difficult and expensive to open and operate child care programs,…
» Read More2025 Legislative Wrap-Up
Each year upon the convening of the Tennessee General Assembly, TQEE reviews the Governor’s budget and 1500+ bills filed by legislators. We determine which items are both aligned to our policy blueprint and can have a meaningful impact. On Tuesday, April 22, the 114th Tennessee General Assembly adjourned for the first year of the two-year…
» Read More2025 Budget and Legislative Priorities
Each year TQEE reviews the Governor’s budget and 1500+ bills filed by legislators. We determine which items are both aligned to our policy blueprint and can have a meaningful impact. Below are our budget and legislative priorities for the 2025 legislative session. Governor Bill Lee’s Proposed 2025-26 Budget Governor Bill Lee’s budget address presented Monday,…
» Read MoreKey committees to watch for early childhood legislation 2025
The Tennessee General Assembly reconvened on January 14, and among the top items of business were to hold leadership elections and announce committees and their chairs. Senate Education Committee Senate Finance Committee Senate Health Committee House Education Committee House Finance Committee House Health Committee With more than 1500 bills likely to be filed this year,…
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