The price of school supplies has increased significantly in recent years and, despite often stagnant pay, many teachers pay out-of-pocket for stationery materials, sanitary supplies, books, and other classroom supplies used by their students. A previous study from the U.S. Department of Education indicated that 94% of teachers use their own money to buy classroom supplies and, while teachers can claim a federal tax deduction of $300 per year for these costs, this is not enough to cover all expenses. The average teacher spends $500 to $700 per year on classroom supplies, which has put a financial burden on many educators. Further, the unspoken expectation that teachers use their own money to supply their classrooms has become one of many factors that can drive them away from the profession.
 
Based on existing law in Georgia and similar legislation in Massachusetts, I am proposing legislation to create a state grant program to provide money to educators and eligible support staff to be used for the purchase of classroom supplies, which will reduce the number of staff spending their own money for this purpose. To facilitate the allocation of funds and ordering of supplies, the Pennsylvania Department of Education would establish partnerships with third-party organizations to handle these transactions. Through this program, we will ensure that our students are receiving supplies that they need to succeed in the classroom, while also reducing the pressure put on teachers to provide these supplies themselves.
 
I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to provide important financial aid to educators for the purchase of classroom supplies.