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Boyda: Teacher Tax Relief is an Expression of Our National Values
08/22/07TOPEKA, KS – As students across Kansas return to school for a new year of classes, Congresswoman Nancy Boyda (Kansas Second District) today joined Kansas educators to spotlight a major federal proposal to relieve the burden of taxes on teachers.
Rep. Boyda and Blake West, the president of the Kansas National Education Association (NEA), joined Meadows Elementary School teacher Michele Perez in her second-grade classroom for a press conference in support of the Teacher Tax Relief Act. The legislation, which is cosponsored by Rep. Boyda, will increase, expand, and make permanent the teacher tax deduction.
Rep. Boyda said, "Our tax code is an expression of our national values. If America allows off-shore tax shelters for billion-dollar corporations but doesn't help teachers pay for school supplies, what does that say about our priorities?"
Current law provides up to a $250 tax deduction for qualified educators who spend their personal funds to purchase classroom supplies. Unfortunately, the deduction is scheduled to expire this year, and it is far too small to cover the average teacher's expenditures. According to a NEA survey, teachers spend an average of $1,180 a year on supplies such as books, lesson materials, math flash cards, crayons, and other items that help children learn.
Rep. Boyda added, "My mom was an elementary school teacher, and each year she spent hundreds of dollars of her own money to provide for her students. That sort of dedication isn't unusual among educators – in fact, it's nearly universal. By renewing and expanding the teacher tax deduction, we can support Kansas educators and thank them for their sacrifices."
The Teacher Tax Relief Act would increase the teacher tax deduction to $400 and make it permanent. The legislation would also expand the deduction to cover out-of-pocket professional development expenses, including teacher training and coursework.
Blake West, the president of the KNEA, said, "This legislation demonstrates that Congresswoman Boyda understands the needs of teachers, their commitment to their students, and provides a meaningful and practical way to help teachers as they work to provide a great education for every student. I hope parents understand how important this bill can be for our children. Learning is enhanced by teachers who have the necessary supplies and resources."
The Teacher Tax Relief Act is now pending in the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means. Similar legislation has been introduced in the Senate.
Rep. Boyda and Blake West, the president of the Kansas National Education Association (NEA), joined Meadows Elementary School teacher Michele Perez in her second-grade classroom for a press conference in support of the Teacher Tax Relief Act. The legislation, which is cosponsored by Rep. Boyda, will increase, expand, and make permanent the teacher tax deduction.
Rep. Boyda said, "Our tax code is an expression of our national values. If America allows off-shore tax shelters for billion-dollar corporations but doesn't help teachers pay for school supplies, what does that say about our priorities?"
Current law provides up to a $250 tax deduction for qualified educators who spend their personal funds to purchase classroom supplies. Unfortunately, the deduction is scheduled to expire this year, and it is far too small to cover the average teacher's expenditures. According to a NEA survey, teachers spend an average of $1,180 a year on supplies such as books, lesson materials, math flash cards, crayons, and other items that help children learn.
Rep. Boyda added, "My mom was an elementary school teacher, and each year she spent hundreds of dollars of her own money to provide for her students. That sort of dedication isn't unusual among educators – in fact, it's nearly universal. By renewing and expanding the teacher tax deduction, we can support Kansas educators and thank them for their sacrifices."
The Teacher Tax Relief Act would increase the teacher tax deduction to $400 and make it permanent. The legislation would also expand the deduction to cover out-of-pocket professional development expenses, including teacher training and coursework.
Blake West, the president of the KNEA, said, "This legislation demonstrates that Congresswoman Boyda understands the needs of teachers, their commitment to their students, and provides a meaningful and practical way to help teachers as they work to provide a great education for every student. I hope parents understand how important this bill can be for our children. Learning is enhanced by teachers who have the necessary supplies and resources."
The Teacher Tax Relief Act is now pending in the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means. Similar legislation has been introduced in the Senate.