SENATOR COLLINS INTRODUCES TEACHER TAX LEGISLATION

WASHINGTON, DC—Senator Susan Collins today introduced the Teacher Tax Act of 2005, increasing to $400 the tax deduction available to teachers who use their own funds to purchase classroom supplies, or to pay for professional development. Senator Collins' legislation would make this deduction permanent. The National Education Association estimates that teachers spend an average $400 a year on classroom supplies, while other surveys show that they are spending even more than that. This bill builds upon the $250 tax deduction that Senator Collins authored in 2001 and became law. This tax deduction is set to expire at the end of this fiscal year.

"I have spoken to dozens of teachers in Maine who tell me they routinely spend far more than $250 on classroom supplies to improve the experiences of their students," Senator Collins said. "It is also important that this deduction be available for expenses related to personal development. Well-qualified teachers, and involved parents, are the most important contributors to student success. This bill will allow teachers to take the additional steps that will make them even better at what they love to do."

The Maine Education Association supports this legislation with President Rob Walker noting, "Teachers are spending money out of their own pockets every year for classroom materials to enrich their students' education, and this bill recognizes their personal sacrifice by making it tax deductible. Its passage would be a vote of support for the good work in Maine's schools that would be truly appreciated."

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