Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson is a cosponsor of H.R. 3758, the Teacher Tax Relief Act of 2009. This legislation would both increase the maximum tax deduction available for teachers purchasing classroom supplies from $250 to $500 and make this deduction permanent.

“We all know teachers who buy extra supplies to use in their classroom, supplies that enhance learning and aid in the development of our youth,” Simpson said. “Allowing teachers to write off this additional expense makes sense and it is simply the right thing to do.”

Currently, the classroom expense deduction available for educators is set to expire on December 31, 2009. This has created unnecessary uncertainty for teachers throughout the country, who are footing the bill for basic classroom supplies. H.R. 3758 would eliminate this uncertainty.

H.R. 3758 also expands the current deduction to include expenses associated with qualified professional development pursuits and is endorsed by the National Education Association.