WASHINGTON-- Teachers from Kouts to Whiting and across Indiana often find themselves digging into their own wallets to enhance their curricula and better equip their classrooms to make sure their students have more opportunities to learn.

Teachers typically buy items such as pencils, paper, crayons and even more elaborate poster displays or technology equipment.

It's a seemingly age-old conundrum for educators who want to see all their students succeed in the classroom.

U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh wants to lessen the burden on teachers. He's co-sponsor of the Teachers Tax Relief Act of 2007.

For Hoosier teachers, it's a nearly $10 million tax-relief package. The act would allow the amount teachers deduct for school-supply expenses on their federal income taxes to increase from $250 to $400.

The National Education Association estimates that teachers spend an average of $450 out of pocket annually on classroom supplies and incidentals.

More than 63,000 Indiana teachers claimed the deduction in 2005 that equated to $15.5 million in tax relief. Bayh says by increasing the deduction, about $10 million in additional tax relief would be provided for teachers.

"The quality and character of Indiana's teachers is reflected in the fact that so many dip into their own pockets, despite their modest salaries, to ensure their students have what they need to succeed in the classroom," Bayh said.

We agree with Bayh that teachers often go out of their way financially and with their time to benefit students.

The legislation also would make the deduction a permanent one, and teachers also could deduct personal expenses for continuing education and training.

The bill should be greeted favorably by Congress.

###