Increasing Educational Opportunities

Increasing Educational Opportunities

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today announced his co-sponsorship of legislation to encourage the creation of more teaching opportunities to assist in the education of America's children.

Boozman has signed-on to H.R. 36, the National Science Education Tax Incentive for Teachers Act of 2007. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Vernon Ehlers (R-MI), would provide tax credits for science, tech, engineering and math (STEM) teachers in order to both bring qualified teachers into the field and retain them once they are teaching.

"Science and math are the tools which are needed by children to succeed in the 21st Century," Boozman said. "I am proud to sponsor this legislation which will encourage more talent to join the ranks of teachers which will ultimately benefit our children."

Boozman also announced his support of H.R. 711, a bill to give more opportunities to Troops to Teachers, a joint program of the Departments of Education and Defense that helps eligible military personnel begin a new career as teachers in public schools where their skills, knowledge and experience are most needed.

The bipartisan bill, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Petri (R-WI), would expand opportunities for veterans to teach in high-need areas, or at charter schools with concentrations of low-income families.

"As the ranking member of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee for Veterans Affairs, I am committed to creating employment opportunities for America's veterans," Boozman said. "The Troops to Teachers program is a prime example of giving veterans that kind of opportunity."

http://www.boozman.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=59519