Supporting Early-Childhood Educators' Deductions Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman and, of course, I thank my colleague and classmate, Representative Brian Fitzpatrick for their support. I rise in support of my Supporting Early-childhood Educators' Deductions Act. We will just call it the SEED Act.

This is legislation that would extend eligibility for the educator expense deduction to early-childhood educators, pre-K educators, who are currently excluded from that benefit.

It is bipartisan legislation that I worked on closely with Brian Fitzpatrick, which was reported unanimously out of the Ways and Means Committee. I proudly say, it is the only Democratic bill that has been allowed out of the Ways and Means Committee this Congress, so I thank Mr. Chairman for that.

It is a bill that finally recognizes the vital role early-childhood educators play in shaping the foundation of a child's development. These educators work with children during their most formative years, laying the groundwork for cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Yet, despite this enormous responsibility, these teachers remain excluded from basic tax benefits that acknowledge teachers' financial burdens.

The SEED Act would correct this by finally extending the existing above-the-line educator expense deduction to early-childhood educators working with children 5 years old or younger.

The $300 deduction, which will rise to $350 next year, may seem modest, but for educators who routinely dip into their own pockets to provide classroom supplies, it is a meaningful, impactful support. It is also Federal recognition of teachers and their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to the development of our children.

Across the country, we are facing a severe shortage of early- childhood educators, a crisis that is driven by low wages and limited support, yet despite those challenges, early-childhood educators continue to extend themselves to ensure children have safe, enriching environments in which they can grow. They do this even when their paychecks fall short and even when they are forced to choose between personal expenses and classroom needs.

By including early-childhood educators in the educator expense deduction, the SEED Act acknowledges both the economic hardship and the extraordinary dedication these educators bring to their work every single day.

As a result, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I reserve the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield myself the balance of my time.

I urge the House to pass this commonsense legislation. By expanding eligibility for the educator expense deduction to early-childhood educators, the bill will finally recognize the incredible dedication and work of these pre-K educators. This is one step toward supporting those who extend themselves day in and day out to help grow and educate all of our children.

Again, I thank Representative Fitzpatrick for his support, and I thank the chairman for pushing this bill forward. I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill with a vote of ``yes.''

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source