Evansville teacher Richard Fanning testifies in front of the Assembly Committee on Education Tuesday (February 12, 2008) in favor of a bill that would allow educators to deduct up to $250 of non-reimbursed classroom expenses from their state income taxes. The deduction mirrors an existing federal income tax deduction.

Change would align state tax code with federal practices

For many Wisconsin educators, the commitment to provide the best resources they can to their students means they are opening up their own pocketbooks to purchase classroom supplies.

Some teachers pick up the tab for school supplies for children in need or for special projects. Others buy books and instructional materials with money out of their own pockets.

Teachers throughout the state are asking the Legislature to support a bill that would allow educators to deduct up to $250 of those non-reimbursed classroom expenses from their state income taxes. The deduction mirrors an existing federal income tax deduction available to educators.

In a hearing Tuesday (February 12, 2008) at the State Capitol, teachers Jane Anderson-Wood of Appleton and Richard Fanning of Evansville shared their personal experiences with the Assembly Committee on Education as the panel took up Assembly Bill 647.

“The educator tax deduction helps recognize the financial sacrifices made by teachers and education support professionals, who often reach into their own pockets to purchase classroom supplies such as books, pencils, paper and art supplies,” WEAC President Mary Bell in a news release. “Studies show that teachers are spending more out of their own funds each year to supply their classrooms with essential items.”

Anderson-Wood estimates she’s spent more than $14,000 of her own money over her 28-year career to purchase classroom supplies and materials, and that doesn’t include the other items she buys such as snacks for children who come to school hungry or gloves and hats for students who have none. “My dedication to my students and their welfare goes beyond providing traditional classroom supplies,” Anderson-Wood said in written testimony.

Fanning, a middle school science teacher with 19 years of experience, said school districts continue to cut budgets year after year, and most now only provide the basic curriculum materials. That leaves many educators to purchase their own classroom supplies – from pens to tape. “The costs really add up in a hurry,” Fanning said.

Educators agree that they will continue to do whatever they can to meet the needs of their students, but say a small tax deduction will go a long way to recognize their dedication and to defray some of those costs.

“I want my students to reach their full potential,” Anderson-Wood said. “That is the reason I teach. It is also why I will continue to underwrite the needs of my classroom and my students. The educator tax deduction will honor us, and help us meet these needs.”

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Steve Wieckert (R-Appleton), was approved by the Assembly as part of the recent budget, but was removed in the compromise budget with the Senate.

Posted February 13, 2008