WASHINGTON – Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Reps. Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) in introducing the Supporting Early Childhood Educators Deductions Act. This bipartisan, bicameral bill would help early childhood educators cover the cost of supplies, books, and other classroom materials by allowing them to claim the educator expense deduction when they file taxes. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced the companion bill in the Senate.

"Access to quality education is one of the most important issues facing Central Valley families, and that begins with early childhood education," said Congressman David Valadao. "Teachers spend on average $860 per year on classroom supplies to ensure their students can succeed, but while K-12 educators can claim the educator expense deduction, those teaching Pre-K and younger cannot. No teacher should have to choose between paying out of pocket or providing basic classroom needs, and this bipartisan bill expands the deduction so early childhood educators can focus on teaching the next generation rather than worrying about costs."

“Early childhood educators often reach into their own pockets to cover the cost of classroom materials for their students,” said Rep. Panetta.  “The SEED Act would allow them to claim the same tax deduction already available to K-12 teachers.  This change not only provides relief for those educators but also shows that we value their commitment to giving our youngest children the foundation they need to thrive.”

“For early childhood teachers, every crayon, book, and learning tool is more than a supply — it’s an investment in a child’s future. In PA-1 and across the nation, our educators routinely reach into their own paychecks because they refuse to let a student go without,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “The SEED Act affirms their dedication by extending to pre-K educators the same classroom deduction K–12 teachers already receive, correcting an unfair exclusion, strengthening the workforce, and putting more resources into our children’s hands during their most critical years.”

“Teaching is the ultimate act of optimism and safeguard of our democracy. America’s early childhood educators pour their hearts into their work, and far too often, their own money, just to do their jobs,” said Rep. Goodlander.  “These educators deserve the same tax deduction other teachers get, and I am proud to lead this commonsense, bipartisan bill that’ll do just that.”

“In Maine and across the country, we are fortunate to have so many dedicated educators who work hard to ensure that every child has a learning environment that is safe, welcoming, and enriching,” said Senator Collins. “In spite of tight budgets and their own modest salaries, it is truly remarkable how often teachers use money out of their own pockets to purchase classroom supplies for their children.  As the author of the original tax credit for K-12 teachers, I am delighted to join this effort to expand this benefit to pre-K educators.  This tax credit would help more people by reimbursing early childhood educators for the resources they invest in our children’s future.”

“As a former school superintendent, I know that many educators often spend their own money to provide their students with the supplies they need to succeed,” said Senator Bennet. “We must ensure that all educators – especially those who teach our youngest children – can deduct these costs from their taxes. I’m grateful to work with bipartisan partners in Congress and in Colorado to pass this bill and deliver for educators and kids.”

Supporting organization include: Center for American Progress, American Federation of Teachers, Teach For America, First Five Years Fund, and Trying Together.

“Early educators play a vital role in helping children learn and grow while preparing them to enter kindergarten ready to succeed, yet too often they pay out of pocket for necessary classroom supplies.  The SEED Act is a commonsense, bipartisan proposal from Representatives Panetta, Goodlander, Valadao, and Fitzpatrick that would ease this burden and support the educators our youngest learners and their families rely on every day,” said Sarah Rittling, Executive Director of the First Five Years Fund.

Read the full bill here.

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