Investing In The Future By Supporting Our Teachers

Statement

Growing up as a student who passed through Tarkio schools, of course I didn't realize it at the time, but educating the young is a passion that called many to go the extra mile for me and my future.

Many different factors play a role in securing a quality education for all of Missouri's students. To this end, one of the most important contributors is our teachers, who despite limited compensation and long hours rise to that challenge every day. Teachers have a difficult job, and those working hard to educate our children should be rewarded for their excellence.

Because teachers are dipping into their own pockets for almost $1,000 per year on various items students need, such as charts, books, and instruments, full-time teachers used to be eligible for a $250 tax deduction if they personally invested in classroom supplies. This deduction was extended for teachers every year since 2002, but expired at the end of 2013.

In order to maintain this commitment and say thank you to our teachers, I introduced the Teacher Tax Deduction Enhancement Act of 2013. This bipartisan legislation will renew and expand the teacher tax deduction for teachers who purchase classroom supplies for their students with their own money. My bill renews the tax deduction through 2018 and increases the amount deductible for full-time teachers from $250 to $500. It also creates a new tax deduction of $250 for part-time teachers and makes preschool teachers in state-recognized schools eligible for the credit for the first time.

We should support teachers who are going the extra mile for our children. By supporting teachers, we ensure that our children are prepared for tomorrow. Please know that I will continue to work with my colleagues across both sides of the aisle in order to see this legislation passed into law.

Sincerely,

Sam Graves

Source