Indiana House approves tax deduction for teachers who must buy school supplies

STATEHOUSE – Members of the Indiana House of Representatives today approved legislation co-authored by State Rep. Justin Moed (D-Indianapolis) that provides an income tax deduction to Indiana teachers who use their personal money to purchase needed classroom supplies.

House Bill 1005 provides that educators are eligible to receive a maximum state income tax deduction of $200 per year for money spent ensuring classes are equipped with the supplies necessary for our students to learn.

“I believe this legislation is a great step forward in helping support our community’s teachers who have committed their lives to educate our children and strengthen our state,” said Moed. “In order for us to attract and retain the best and brightest teachers, we must compensate them adequately.”

Indiana teachers earn nearly 10 percent less than the national average, and Indiana schools receive insufficient state funding for classroom supplies. Oftentimes, items such as pens, educational posters, construction paper, folders, glue, notebooks and even cleaning products must be purchased by teachers out-of-pocket.

Most studies show over half of classroom teachers spend at least $200 annually on classroom supplies.

“We know people don’t seek to become a teacher for the pay,” said Moed. “It is about their passion and dedication to making a difference in students’ lives. However, if we aren’t going to equip them with the resources they need to be effective educators, we should at least help them better afford the cost of doing it themselves.”

Rep. Moed collaborated with author State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) and State Reps. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne) and Matt Ubelhor (R-Bloomfield) as co-authors on the bill.

HB 1005 was unanimously passed by a vote of 94-0 and now proceeds to the Indiana Senate for consideration.