Congresswoman Beatty Introduces a Bill That Helps Head Start Teachers

Press Release

Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) released the following statement detailing a bill she sponsored, H.R. 2141, to help Head Start Teachers. H.R. 2141 is supported by the National Head Start Association, national Education Association, and American Federation of Teachers.

On May 23, 2013, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty introduced legislation that would allow Head Start teachers to take the same above-the-line deduction for classroom supplies and equipment to which other teachers currently are entitled. There are over 23,000 Head Start teachers nationwide.

According to the latest study conducted by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER), the average Head Start teacher earns about half the salary of a public school teacher, yet is excluded from the income tax deduction for school supplies, equipment, and supplementary materials provided in the classroom to which other teachers are entitled.

H.R. 2141 would correct this oversight by allowing Head Start teachers to subtract from their gross income up to $250 in expenses associated with the purchase of classroom supplies, equipment and supplementary materials and $500 in expenses, if married filing jointly when both spouses are educators.

"Our early educators work harder than ever to provide our children with the best quality education. With all of the challenges facing the Head Start program due to sequestration, it is one of my top priorities to assist Head Start teachers in whatever way possible. "

"This legislation if enacted would assist these teachers with providing adequate supplies, materials and equipment for their classrooms that many currently provide out of their own pockets. My bill would extend a tax benefit that will provide relief for some of the financial sacrifices that many Head Start teachers make, thereby helping improve the quality of education to some of our nation's youngest students."

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