Bill > S1697

This bill creates a refundable tax credit for teachers and early childhood educators working in schools with high student poverty rates. The tax credit provides a base amount of $1,000 for eligible educators, with an additional amount that can range up to $14,000 (or $9,000 for early childhood educators without a bachelor's degree) based on the school's student poverty level. To qualify, educators must be full-time teachers who have worked for at least one year, meet state certification requirements, and work in qualifying schools, which include public elementary and secondary schools, schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Education, and early childhood education programs serving low-income children. The bill also increases the tax deduction for educators' out-of-pocket classroom expenses from $250 to $500 and expands this deduction to include early childhood educators. Additionally, the legislation includes provisions to prevent school districts from reducing teacher salaries or benefits in response to the tax credit and establishes mandatory federal funding to support local educational agencies that maintain or increase teacher salaries. The tax credit amounts will be adjusted annually for inflation, starting in 2027, and the bill aims to provide financial support and recognition for educators, particularly those working in high-poverty schools.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1697/all-info