Congressman Brown Celebrates the Expansion of Teacher Tax Deduction

Statement

Congressman Anthony G. Brown (MD-04) celebrated the inclusion of language from his standalone legislation, the "Educators Expense Deduction Modernization Act," in the "Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act." The legislation passed the House of Representatives. The original provision doubled the teachers' tax deduction for classroom expenses from $250 to $500. The deduction was increased to $1,000 on the floor.

The "Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act," H.R. 5377, fixes several alarming defects in President Donald Trump's tax giveaway to the wealthy. The legislation also takes steps to make our tax code fairer for working people, including the educators who go above and beyond for our students.

Reportedly, more than 9 in 10 public-school teachers are not reimbursed for classroom expenses which can include everything from pens to books, crafts and science materials. Teachers in high-poverty schools spent nearly 40 percent more than their peers elsewhere, with one in 10 spending $1,000 or more. In Maryland, nearly 80,000 educators benefit from this deduction.

"Teachers and school support staff dig deep into their own pockets to pay for everyday classroom supplies - and educators in high-poverty communities spend even more, said Congressman Anthony Brown. "After protecting the teachers' tax deduction from being cut by President Trump, House Democrats are expanding it and helping teachers offset more of the costs they incur every school year. I'll keep fighting for our schools, our educators and increasing this deduction to meet the needs of our students."

"Too many educators dip into their own pockets to pay for classroom materials for their students: books, supplies, coats, meals, and more. Rep. Anthony Brown has consistently fought to make sure that our tax code looks out for those educators and gives them a break on their out-of-pocket expenses spent on student needs, since too often, state budgets aren't filling in those gaps," said the American Federation of Teachers. "The Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act (HR 5377) is a great step to help invest in teachers who invest in their kids."

"Educators reach into their own pockets every year to provide needed supplies to help their students," said the National Education Association. "We are gratified that a bipartisan majority in the House has heard the voices of the educators who dedicate their lives to our nation's children and voted to provide a $1,000 tax deduction to help them provide supplies for their classrooms and students. We expect the Senate will do the same in 2020."

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