Coverdell Release on Teacher Tax Credit Bills

May 26, 1999

[1] WASHINGTON, D. C. -- U. S. Sen. Paul Coverdell (R-Ga.) together with Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) held a news conference today to unveil tax credit proposals to assist teachers. Sen. Coverdell's bill -- the Teacher Deduction for Incidental Expenses Act -- would allow educators to deduct reasonable expenses related to education, teaching, and instruction from their adjusted income for tax filing purposes. Sen. Collins' bill -- the Teacher Professional Development Act -- would allow educators to deduct professional development expenses from their adjusted gross income.

[2] Sen. Coverdell said, "We should do everything we can to reward our teachers and help them do their jobs. Instead of federal red tape and increased bureaucracy, we should give our teachers, principals and school administrators the support and assistance needed to perform their jobs. My proposal allows teachers to deduct up to $250 per year for incidental expenses related to classroom activities and instruction, while Sen. Collins' proposal provides a tax deduction for the professional development and educational expenses of Kindergarten-12th Grade educators. Both proposals show that we value our nation's teachers and are committed to recognizing those who go that extra mile for their students.

[3] Our children are our nation's greatest investment. Our teachers' commitment to that investment should be rewarded not only through our support and encouragement, but through much-needed tax relief that shows we recognize and value that commitment."

[4] Sen. Coverdell is an original co-sponsor of the Collins provision; Sen. Collins is an original co-sponsor of the Coverdell provision.