Beatty's Educator Expense Deduction Included in Tax Package

Statement

Today, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) supported a tax deduction and tax credit package that provides assurance and stability to American families, businesses, and research institutions. The legislation, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 (PATH Act), passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 318-109.

"While this tax package is not perfect, it manages to improve pathways to economic stability for hard-working American families. We know that research and development tax credits, charitable deductions, and education-related deductions help our nation prosper and make us more competitive globally," said Congresswoman Beatty. "I also supported this bill because it included a permanent extension of the educator expense deduction, a cause that I have been championing throughout my time in Congress."

The PATH Act includes a permanent extension of an above-the-line deduction for the eligible expenses of elementary and secondary classroom educators. Beatty is the author of legislation that would do the same -- the Reimburse Educators who Pay for Academic Year (REPAY) Supplies Act of 2015, H.R. 2692, would permanently extend classroom deductions. Rep. Beatty is joined by 25 cosponsors on the legislation, which is endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers.

"Providing educators with the classroom supplies they need to prepare the next generation is a critical piece of educational success," said Rep. Beatty. "Allowing both our primary and secondary teachers to get reimbursed for expenses is not only good for their students, but it is also a matter of educational equity. I will continue to fight for the inclusion of Head Start teachers who pay for supplies out of pocket."

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