Congressman Dave Reichert

Washington, DC, Nov 16, 2009 - Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) and Congressman John Tanner (TN-08) today announced that the National Education Association (NEA) endorsed the Teacher Tax Relief Act (H.R. 3758), a proposal that would both increase and make permanent the maximum tax deduction available for educators purchasing classroom supplies out-of-pocket and pursuing qualified professional development.

In a letter to the Representatives, NEA states, in part:

On behalf of the National Education Association's (NEA) 3.2 million members, we would like to thank you for your leadership in introducing the Teacher Tax Relief Act (H.R 3758). …The educator tax deduction helps recognize the financial sacrifices made by teachers and paraprofessionals, who often reach into their own pockets to purchase classroom supplies such as books, pencils, paper, and art supplies. …By increasing the current deduction and making it permanent, your legislation will make a real difference for many educators, who often must sacrifice other personal needs in order to pay for classroom supplies. Ongoing professional development is essential to ensure that educators stay up-to-date on the skills and knowledge necessary to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century.  H.R. 3758 will make a critical difference in helping educators access quality training.

“I’m pleased to accept the NEA’s endorsement of this bill,” Reichert said. “Today, school districts across the country are dealing with budget cuts, and our teachers are left to pick up the slack. This legislation would help ease the burden for those educators who accept the responsibility to guide our children’s education and purchase needed classroom supplies out of their own pockets. I’m committed to standing with our teachers by increasing and expanding this tax relief, and I thank the NEA for its vital support.”

"We are proud to work with educators to provide the classroom resources and continuing-education opportunities that can help our young people be successful in school and after graduation," Congressman Tanner said. "Our teachers play a crucial role in our communities and in our economic security, and this is another way we can express our appreciation and support."

Background
The classroom expense deduction available for teachers is set to expire on December 31, 2009. This has created unnecessary uncertainty for teachers throughout the country, who daily are footing the bill for basic classroom supplies.

The National School Supply and Equipment Association found that for the 2005-2006 school year, educators spent out of their own pockets an average of $826 for supplies and $926 for instructional materials – for a total of $1,752. Additionally, a National Education Association report, Status of the American Public School Teacher 2000-2001, revealed that teachers spent an average of $443 per year on classroom supplies.

Additionally, teacher quality is critical to maximize student achievement, as highly qualified teachers will enable students to meet high standards. Continued professional development is one vital way that teachers keep their skills and knowledge current, and best equip themselves to prepare students for college and the challenges of the 21st Century global workplace. Expanding the tax deduction to cover qualified continuing education pursuits further assures the success of our teachers and our children.