AAE Calls for Educator Expense Deduction Renewal

Alexandria, VA — The Association of American Educators (AAE), the largest national non-union professional teachers’ association, has called on the Senate Finance Committee to renew the educator expense deduction (read the letter here). The deduction is currently part of a recently introduced bill, the Alternative Minimum Tax and Extenders Tax Relief Act. The act extends a variety of provisions relating to the alternative minimum tax, individual and business taxpayers, energy conservation, and tax administration.

“Every year teachers spend hundreds of dollars out of their own pockets for classroom projects and supplies and are not reimbursed for these expenses,” said Gary Beckner, executive director of AAE. “It is only right that their dedication is recognized this way.”

While the educator expense deductions were originally passed in 2002 as part of the Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act, a sunset clause caused the deductions to expire at the end of 2007. The deduction provision allowed teachers to deduct up to $250 a year in classroom expenses. The proposed bill before the Senate Finance Committee will extend the provision until the end of 2009.

“Teachers commit their lives, and very often their pocketbooks, to the education of our nation’s children, and for that, we are extremely grateful,” said Beckner. “We hope that with the passage of this bill, teachers will have the freedom to do even more.”

If passed, the tax relief act will be retroactive, and teachers will be able to claim the deduction for any 2008 expenses.

Dedicated to the academic and personal growth of every student, the Association of American Educators is the premier educators’ network that advances the teaching profession through teacher advocacy and protection, professional development and promoting excellence in education so that educators receive the respect, recognition and reward they deserve. AAE has members in all 50 states and welcomes professionals from all education entities. www.aaeteachers.org.