Educator Expense Deduction Act of 2007

Mr. Speaker, this week (May 4-May 10) we celebrate Teacher

Appreciation Week, and Tuesday, May 6, as National Teacher Day. These days have been set aside as a time for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives.

Last year, the National Education Association (NEA) conducted an online poll asking teachers what kind of gift would most make them feel appreciated. The answer? A simple ``thank you, `` according to nearly half (48 percents) of all respondents.

Such humility comes as no surprise. My mother was a public school teacher, so I know firsthand how many sacrifices teachers make both with their own money, their time and their heart. They work long hours and are often underappreciated. Yet, few other professionals touch as many people as teachers do. I bet many of us learned life lessons that we carry with us today because of a special teacher. I don't know that we can ever say ``thank-you'' enough times to teachers who have made a difference in our lives. This week, I hope we'll all take a minute to tell a special teacher ``thank you''--a simple thank you card, a quick phone call--it means a lot.

I recognize that these are small ways to honor teachers, and that we have to put our money where our mouth is. Teachers give so much to support Kansas students--it's high time that Congress repays the favor. Here are some of the ways I have made a commitment to helping teachers:

Providing tax relief for teachers. I co-sponsored H.R. 549, the Teacher Tax Relief Act to increase and make permanent a tax deduction of up to $400 for elementary and secondary school teachers. I am also a co-sponsor of H.R. 3605, introduced after H.R. 549, which will increase the deduction to $500. This deduction would help teachers recoup expenses when they use their own money to buy classroom supplies.

Funding Continuing Education for Teachers. I voted for the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education and Science (COMPETES) Act, which became law in August, 2007. The act provides professional development for teachers, ensures more highly qualified classroom teachers in mathematics, science, engineering, and technology, and provides funding to improve laboratory equipment and facilities.

Student Loan Assistance. The College Cost Reduction and Access Act, which I voted for and was signed into law by the President in September, 2007, includes a tuition assistance program for public school teachers who commit to working in impoverished areas or in high- need subjects.

Public schools are at the heart of any community and I believe we all have to work together to make our schools the best that they can be. That means everyone in the community--parents, business owners, retirees, local government and students must pitch in.

This week is an opportunity for all of us to get involved. That apple on the desk or a thank you card is an important first step. But, let's use this week to learn about and advocate for high standards for our public schools and appropriate compensation for teachers. A community's active support of the work that teachers do, combined with that ``thank-you,'' can make changes that will last for generations to come.