Co-Sponsorship Memo Details

            In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that amends the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L. 6, No. 2), also known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, to provide a tax credit to teachers for the purchase of classroom supplies. This is a companion bill to Rep. Wheatley’s HB 1619.    As many of you are aware, school districts across the Commonwealth have significant reductions in resources over the past several years.  During a time of massive budget cuts, school closings, and teacher layoffs; numerous teachers continue to provide vital support through out of pocket purchases to exhausted schools, spending hundreds of dollars each year on basic classroom supplies. They buy and deliver important resources to our poorest schools and respond directly to poverty as they purchase food and other related items for their classrooms. In order to further encourage teachers to provide additional resources to our children, foster learning, and support our communities; this legislation provides a tax credit of up to $500 for teachers who purchase classroom supplies on their own dime.  Eligible classroom supplies include books, supplies, computers and related equipment, including related software and services, other equipment and supplementary materials. Please join me in sponsoring this important legislation.