 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
News
Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina
March 1, 2005
Contact:
Sara Lang
Phone:
(202) 225-4531
WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) introduced the Teacher Tax Credit Act of 2005 last week to provide an important incentive for good teachers to consider working in disadvantaged schools. The bipartisan bill provides a $2,000 non-refundable tax credit for teachers, instructors, counselors, principals, or aides who teach or work full-time in a Title I elementary or secondary school.
"As the only former state schools chief serving in Congress, I know that teachers make the difference for our schools and our children. That's why I am committed to helping our schools recruit and retain quality teachers, especially for our low-income schools. I want to help; Congress should help; and the Teacher Tax Credit Act will help," Etheridge said.
Etheridge introduced the bipartisan legislation along with Rep. Heather Wilson (R-New Mexico). The lawmakers began this legislative effort in 2003, and gained 59 bipartisan cosponsors in the 108th Congress. The bill has the backing of Congressman John Boehner, Chairman of the House Education Committee.
The United States will need to hire two million teachers in the coming decade. A surge in teacher retirement and growth in enrollment of students are major contributing factors to the need for more teachers. But the need is most pressing in disadvantaged schools, because of the distribution of teachers between affluent and disadvantaged schools.
Title I is the largest federal education program and is intended to help ensure that all children have the opportunity to obtain a high quality education and reach proficiency on challenging state academic standards and assessments. Title I provides federal funding for schools to help students who are behind academically or at risk of falling behind. Nearly half of all schools in North Carolina, close to 1,100, receive Title I assistance.
| About Bob Etheridge | Constituent Services | Contact Bob | Email Bob | Home |
| Just for Children | Legislative Issues | The 2nd District | Press Room | Visit Washington |