WEAC supports legislation to create an individual income tax deduction for an amount of up to $250 paid by an educator for educational materials or supplies for use in school, mirroring the provision under federal law.

Wisconsin’s public schools are among the best in the nation because of our state’s talented, caring and committed teachers and education support professionals. With schools struggling with rising education costs and revenue caps, educators are opening up their own pocketbooks to provide needed supplies for the classroom. Studies show that educators are spending more of their own funds each year to supply their classrooms, including purchasing essential items such as pencils, glue, scissors, and facial tissues. For example, the National Education Association’s 2003 report, Status of the American Public School Teacher, 2000-2001, found that teachers spent an average of $443 a year on classroom supplies. More recently, the National School Supply and Equipment Association found that in 2005-06, educators spent out of their own pockets an average of $826 for supplies and an additional $926 for instructional
materials, for a total of $1,752.

Investments in great schools build strong communities. Creating an educator tax deduction at the state level recognizes the dedication and sacrifice of educators and helps them cover their personal expenses to educate our children. It also makes the
tax deduction permanent whereas the federal tax deduction is dependent on reauthorization by Congress every fiscal year.

Additional Information

Contact Deb Sybell, WEAC Legislative Program Coordinator, at 800-362-8034 ext. 227 or by e- mail at sybelld@weac.org with any reactions, comments or questions.

Posted May 12, 2008