Ann Arbor lawmaker wants Michigan teachers to get tax credit for spending own money on school supplies
State Rep. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, says continued cuts in Lansing have squeezed school budgets to a point where teachers are reaching deeper into their own pockets to provide books, pencils, paper and other basic supplies to their students.
In response, Irwin has introduced legislation that would provide a tax credit for Michigan teachers who spend their own money buying school supplies for students.
House Bill 4984 would authorize school employees to receive a credit on their state income taxes for any personal expenditures on classroom supplies up to $2,000 per year.
Jeff Irwin
"Many spend extra time and large amounts of their salary to improve the classroom learning environment for our children. With HB 4984, those educators who go above and beyond will be given a tax credit for income that they voluntarily spent giving back to our schools, contributing to the success of our educational system."
Irwin said Michigan educators are looking at bleak budgets for years to come following what he described as an unprecedented raid of K-12 funding in the state's new budget.
"Over the course of several years, school professionals have been attacked again and again in Lansing," he said.
"Granting teachers a tax credit on what they give back to their students, our children, is the least we can do to help them make our schools more successful."
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.
Comments
AMOC
Mon, Sep 26, 2011 : 1:57 a.m.
Would this be in addition to the tax credit for teachers already allowed on their Federal income taxes? I agree that many teachers do spend significant amounts of money out of their own pockets to stock their classroom, but there are ways to handle that, either by passing some or all of this money through the PTA/PTO/PTSO if it is a registered non-profit organization, or by taking advantage of the $250 / year tax deduction that President Obama championed back in 2009.
Nancy
Sat, Sep 24, 2011 : 12:11 a.m.
Seems reasonable. The difference between what parents do and teachers do is between what you choose to do for your own kids (make choices about what school supplies to get, based perhaps on cost, to show your kids how to be frugal; choose whether to drive them or let them walk or take the bus) and what teachers do in order to be able to do their jobs. I would certainly not support the leap to supporting parents to drive their kids to school, but it seems reasonable to provide tax breaks to teachers who need to provide supplies. Aren't they creating jobs, too, in the long run?
missy
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 9:21 p.m.
Each year my husband who is a teacher who teaches in a lower income district spends $ on his students and supplies. I think it is a great idea!
Saline422
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 9:16 p.m.
As a retired public school office manager I know that if you are a Title One school, you have more than enough money floating around to adequately supply the students with the materials they need. I have seen more money wasted in the schools over the years than you can even imagine...usually on some favored teacher's pet project of the year. It always seems like a great idea to order fifty tape recorders at once for some project that gets forgotten the next year because the teacher found out that it "really didn't work that well". The tape recorders then find themselves in the back of a cupboard, never to be used again. I have found "forgotten" unused laptops in the back of storerooms, I have gone into storerooms with forty or fifty uninflated, unused soccer and kickballs that never get used. If you have not been designated as a Title One school, hopefully the majority of your parents can supply their child with what they need. With the teacher pay freezes and cuts, I firmly believe that teachers need to stop spending their own money for classroom supplies. I guarantee that there are always a few extra funds floating around the school, even if you don't know about them. Principals seem to have a lot of flexibility to spend money on things they think are important. So, my message to teachers is: Quit buying supplies out of your own funds and force your schools or your parents to pony up the money.
Mick52
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 9:07 p.m.
I would be okay with it if it is extended to parents who do so too, or office supply stores that chose to assist a school. Irwin should focus his efforts on getting schools funded better.
TC
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 8:52 p.m.
I've got an idea. Let's properly fund the schools.
Bill
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 7:32 p.m.
While I don't believe the tax credit is the right solution, I do agree until an real solution that will properly fund schools can be developed, the tax credit will allow teachers to receive some compensation for their donations needed just to do a better job educating students. To the parents out that want a tax break, I can understand, but keep in mind, as others have mentioned, the teacher is educating YOUR child. It is not the teacher's responsibility to supply them with the materials the school does not supply. Many parents are unable to supply the necessary items for the kids and we should not fault those kids for being in this situation. As a former educator, I'm delighted to see teachers with enough concern about their students that they are willing to make a substantial contribution to supporting their classroom.
Basic Bob
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 6:37 p.m.
Form 1040 Schedule A Line 21 Unreimbursed Employee Expenses
treetowncartel
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 5:50 p.m.
This thread is a great example why merit based pay for student performance is absurd. The variables are to many to make any type of formula that would resemble reality.
jjc155
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 5:01 p.m.
My wife has been a teacher for going on 15 years and in that time our accountant has deducted her out of pocket class room expenses EVERY year. Just like ANY profession can do for work related expenses. Now that there is a set amount I'm sure that thousands of teachers will be claiming that they spent $2000 out of pocket and the tax credit will become a source of fraud. I think that last year she spent like $200 bucks (and she does alot out of pocket).
DBH
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 4:38 p.m.
This is classic dysfunctional enabling on the part of the teachers, however well-intentioned it may be. As long as they continue to buy what the school districts should be supplying for their students, the school districts have no incentive to responsibly provide for all of the needs of the students for which they are responsible. Providing tax credits or tax deductions for teachers for such purchases would be an unnecessarily convoluted mechanism for reimbursing them. The school districts should be providing all needed supplies, and the State of Michigan should be allocating sufficient monies (and providing appropriate oversight of such allocations) so all students and teachers have what they need.
Ron Granger
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 4:38 p.m.
So help me out here - I read these lists of what students are provided - one pencil per semester, $200 for art supplies for 17 classes of students, etc. And yet Ann Arbor schools are spending some number of *millions* of tax dollars on *after* school athletics. And worse, they won't disclose the specifics of their after school athletic spending. I ask again - why do the students not have pencils, paper, etc, when we're spending *millions* on after school athletics? Programs like this should not be necessary when we're pouring millions into after school athletics.
jns131
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 3:11 p.m.
Currently as the taxes go, $250 can be deducted from your taxes every year. I know, we do this every year. This would be a great idea for teachers because, yes, we do go broke trying to spend what the teacher needs versus what our household budget needs. Guess what goes first. The household needs. If the schools make the teachers pay for it then I am all for this new piece of legislation. Better then this $250 stuff any day of the week.
B2Pilot
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 2:51 p.m.
Mr. Dallas, you're missing the point, the teachers are presnting the parents with a list of items to purchase for their classrooms; those items are not just for my kids they are for the classroom, i,e. all students. And yes i do purchase a heck of lot more for my kids than what the teacher asks for her classroom. I also understand not all parents can afford to buy extras for the 'classroom' and should not be guilted into it. However just as the teacher volunteers to buy these items, & some parents do also then they should be treated equally as they both absorbing the costs. Also: I don't believe it is the states fault i think it is a local budgeting / policy issue that causes this 'under funding' of essential supplies. Give the school board 1 pencil a piece for the year as part of their office supply allocation and see if their perception changes.
kay
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 2:35 p.m.
As a public school teacher I spend much more than $2000 a year on supplies. The school only has so much that it can distribute to all their staff. I spend my own money because I want my classes to experience knowledge outside of their textbooks. Yes-it is my choice, and it is a sacrifice to my family budget, yet my students have gained so much from the "extras" I have attained that I will continue to spend my own money until Michigan legislatures actually grasp what it really takes to attain "No Child Left Behind." And to Ron Granger---obviously you have no appreciation for what a teacher ever did for you----aw--poor thing- you had to learn to dance and have scars!!!!!! Your mindset disgusts me.
jns131
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 3:13 p.m.
You go girl. But I also suggest a list home to parents to see if they can donate anything. We go to thrift shops and dollar stores to see what can be found. We can't afford that stiff price at any cost. Glad to see you can.
Forever27
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 2:18 p.m.
Teachers wouldn't be put in this position in the first place if we would simply fund education at the necessary levels. Regardless of whether you have children in schools, or not, every citizen has a vested interest in the overall education of the populace. The selfishness of people not wanting to fund public schools causes people to create obscure work-arounds such as this.
steve dallas
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 2:06 p.m.
For those parents who have posted indicating they also deserve a credit for supplying their own children, please remember there is a key distinction here. Teachers are providing educational materials from their paychecks for YOUR kids. You are also providing materials for your kids, but that is the parent's responsibility, not the teacher's. Many of these teachers have children of their own and they also have to provide materials for them, in addition to the materials needed for a classroom full of other people's kids. Without such a supplement, the reality is as the education budget continues to shrink, the teachers will not be able to provide enough from their own pockets to cover your kids needs, and it is not required they do so (most are doing it out of general decency and genuine concern for your kids). At the end of the day, this proposal helps your kids, not the teachers, by encouraging them to continue to spend their income to help other people's kids. I personally have no issue with teachers recovering verified expenses used to help other people's children in the form of a tax credit.
Ron Granger
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 1:05 p.m.
It pains me to think about what some gym teachers will buy with a credit like this. Break-dancing records that they will force students to dance to? Don't think it hasn't happened! Some of us still have the scars.
B2Pilot
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 12:48 p.m.
Can parents also get a tax credit for purchasing school supplies, i mean every year i recieve a list from my kids teachers of what they want donated. No offense to the teachers, shouldn't the administrors develop an effective procurement policy to cover these things? seems pretty basic. But seriously why shouldn't parents also recieve the credit? Have you seen the price of a T-86 calculator?
jns131
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 3:15 p.m.
We tried that one. Then mine became a teacher. Technically speaking, if you are a teacher and your child uses it in a classroom, then why not write it off on taxes? Interesting thought.
grye
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 12:38 p.m.
Focusing on one segment doesn't solve the tax code issues as a whole. We would be better off having a flat tax with minimal deductions (primarily for dependents and catastrophic medical expenses). This would level the playing field for everyone.
logan
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 12:19 p.m.
I'm currently in my 15th year of teach. I spend approximately $1500-2000 each year on my classroom. Some years I spend more, some years I spend less. I'm not complaining about it, it's just a fact of life for the job. To give you an idea of the supplies that I get for my classroom. I'm given one pencil per student per MARKING PERIOD. That means the school provides 4 pencils during the school year for the student. I get 5 boxes of crayons, 1 box of chalk, 5 rolls of scotch tape, 1 box of staples, 1 box of paper clips and 5 pens. My department (of 17 teachers) is provided $200 to buy "art supplies," i.e., colored paper, glue sticks, scissors, poster board, etc. Our "health kits" for the year, include 1- 3 oz. bottle of hand sanitizer and 3 boxes of kleenex. As you can imagine, none of the supplies go far. This doesn't include the actual teaching materials (workbooks, manuals, etc.) that is not covered by the school budget. We do put out "wish lists," as my district has a policy that we can't require students to bring their supplies. I put the basics on the list, but out of 30 students, I have between 10-15 students that do not bring in items. Some years, I'm fortunate and I have parents that provide extra for the room and other years it's lean times. As for having the PTO purchase materials, our PTO will give a teacher a $100 grant for what it deems an acceptable use to enhance teaching in the classroom. They don't believe that supplies "enhance" the classroom experience, but we can put that towards a presenter, a field trip, etc. It usually requires several of us to go together to put our grants together to cover the cost of the presenters. Again, not complaining, just painting the picture of what's going on in the schools.
logan
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 3:34 p.m.
Pens, pencils, markers, colored pencils, crayons, highlighters, glue sticks, paper, graph paper, colored paper, notebooks, 3 ring binders, pocket folders, file folders, poster board, bulletin board paper, bulletin board supplies, posters, poster putty, tape, masking tape, packing tape, staples, stapler, ruler, 3 hole punch, paper clips, binder clips, kleenex, hand sanitizer, disinfectant cleaning wipes... This was just the beginning of the year supplies that get replenished throughout the year. I also spend about $500 a year on workbooks and other materials to supplement the curriculum as well as around $500 on materials for projects and labs that we do in the classroom throughout the year. I also spend money on, but don't/can't, claim, is buying shirts, pants, shoes, coats, etc., for students who are less fortunate, as well as soap, shampoo washclothes, etc. I also keep snacks, juiceboxes, and PB & J in my room for students who come to school unfed, or underfed.
5c0++ H4d13y
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 1:46 p.m.
What do you spend $2000 on?
baitm
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 11:46 a.m.
i urge teachers around this state to NOT put much money back into your classroom anymore. pay your 3% the state stole and the 10-20% healthcare lawmakers tacked on. then, take your pay cut that many think we deserve. However, if the school districts cannot supply books, pencils and paper than tell parents the well is dry. parents may will see more lists of supplies needed but maybe they can get out and vote out the republican lawmakers that are killing public education. notice a republican won't offer a tax break to teachers. they are our enemy. republicans will not pass this because they hate us. as for double standards, it makes me sick that businessman can write off the sunshine as a tax break yet we can't. the double standard is fine if the republicans say so. teachers need to take care of the children but your own children must come first. sad to say it has come to this. republicans must be happy.
Shelby
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 11:14 a.m.
I am a first year teacher and I also teach at a extremely low income school. I do not think people realize how little of those "wish lists" actually end up in our classrooms. I have spent a lot out of my own pocket and will continue to do so as my class needs. I think a tax credit would be useful as our schools continue to provide less and less towards our future.
5c0++ H4d13y
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 1:43 p.m.
Of course as your provide more they will feel like they can provide less. Bit of a Catch 22.
KJMClark
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 11:07 a.m.
It's a good idea, but good luck getting it through the legislature. OTOH, donations to the school PTO/PTSO are already tax-deductable. It might make sense for people to donate to their PTO and ask that the PTO use the money to buy some of those supplies in bulk or give a grant to teachers for expenses. And yes, teachers can make donations to the PTO and turn around and ask the PTO to pay for class expenses. Nothing illegal or unethical about that. Tax credits are better, but deductions help too.
mkogrady
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 11:04 a.m.
This is a great idea. Plus anybody donating materials can get a tax write off too. WHAT WE REALLY NEED - is a tax break associated with the costs of our cars so we can allocate the gas, insurance and maintenance fees to keep it legal and running SO WE CAN GET TO WORK. I use my car 5 days per week so I can make a buck. To me that's a Cost of Doing Business. Any bets on the outcome? - I think the IRS would love to give us our money back.
Ron Granger
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 1:03 p.m.
Your oil consumption is already greatly subsidized by other taxpayers. That's why your gas is so cheap. Maybe you should try car pooling? I walk and bike to work, and I'm not asking anyone else to buy my bikes and shoes, or pay the mortgage to allow me to do it.
jrm.jr
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 10:19 a.m.
Not that I am against helping teachers (my daughter is one) but this in an example of why our tax code is so screwed up. Another credit for a segment of the tax paying population. Why stop at teachers. I am sure there are many parents that spend $$$$ on school supplies. Next, give people who drive there kids to school a tax break. Each year my daughter gives her students parents a "wish list" for her class. The parents then donate those items to her class room. Not a bad idea.
sh1
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 11:18 a.m.
Parents already get credit for having children in our tax code. Teachers are not buying things for their own children but for yours.
treetowncartel
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 3:27 a.m.
Gresat idea
braggslaw
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 3:20 a.m.
I am fine with that....
Justice4all
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 2:53 a.m.
A tax credit doesn't solve the problem but at least it is focusing on supporting teachers. Something that is not done enough in my book. And anything the teachers at my childrens school ask for I try to assist. I mean, they are in fact teaching my children, caring for my children and keeping them safe while away.
obviouscomment
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 2:49 a.m.
i think this sounds like an excellent idea. @7718: if this tax credit cam into effect maybe we wouldn't need to donate so many things to the class...at the same time, how much does it cost to donate some tissues for your kids' class? name brands aren't required.
rob
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 2:47 a.m.
Irwin should know better. "Tax credit" is a dirty word in Lansing these days.
7718
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 2:20 a.m.
Can I get a tax break break for all the tissue paper I have to "donate" to my children's teachers?
jcj
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 2:18 p.m.
I assumed it was for the teachers to wipe their constant tears away!
KJMClark
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 11:08 a.m.
Donate it to the PTO and ask that they direct it to the classroom. Donations to PTOs are tax-deductible.
Jake C
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 2:48 a.m.
I'm not quite sure what you're complaining about. A vague reference at giving gifts to your child's teacher? Art projects involving tissue paper? Kleenex?
DBH
Thu, Sep 22, 2011 : 2:31 a.m.
This would be tissue paper used primarily by your children or for the class in general?