Subject:
It's time for a new educator tax credit!
Message:
Dear Legislator:
As a constituent who cares deeply about the well-being of our students and educators, I urge you to provide educators with much-needed relief for out-of-pocket costs they incur to address student needs.
NYSUT's recent member survey reveals the significant financial burden educators' shoulder in providing necessary supplies for students in their classrooms. The survey reported that 90 percent of teachers spend their personal funds on classroom supplies and 80 percent spend their personal funds on meeting students’ basic needs, including food. Two-thirds report spending over $500 annually, with 20 percent spending more than $1,000.
As budget negotiations continue, I urge you and your colleagues to support teachers and students by assisting teachers with their efforts to provide essential classroom resources. An educator tax credit of up to $1,000 would put money back into the pockets of teachers, lessening the financial burden this puts on them and their families. Teachers who witness the struggles of their students firsthand often feel compelled to provide necessities.
According to our survey results, there are several supply categories that teachers are providing annually for items such as crayons, markers, and classroom decorations. However, many teachers also provide items such as tissues, healthy snacks and fruit, cleaning supplies, disinfectant, toiletries, books, educational games and first aid. Yet, these efforts often put stress on a teacher's personal finances and their families. Accordingly, we urge you to support provisions to include an educator tax credit in your one-house budget proposal.
Thank you once again for your continued support of public education in New York state and your work to provide students and educators with the resources they need. I respectfully ask that you bring up this issue with your conference and I would greatly appreciate a response to this email.
Sincerely,
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