[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 32 (Tuesday, March 2, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E306]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  INTRODUCING THE TEACHER TAX CUT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON PAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 2, 1999

  Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce the Teacher Tax Cut Act. 
This bill provides every teacher in America with a $1,000 tax credit, 
thus raising every teacher's take-home pay without increasing federal 
spending. Passage of this bill is a major first step toward treating 
those who have dedicated their lives to educating America's children 
with the respect they deserve. Compared to other professionals teachers 
are underappreciated and underpaid. This must change if America is to 
have the finest education system in the world!
  Quality education is impossible without quality teaching. If we want 
to ensure that the teaching profession attracts the very best people 
possible we must make sure that teachers receive the compensation they 
deserve. For too long now, we have seen partisan battles and displays 
of heightened rhetoric about who wants to provide the most assistance 
to education distract us from our important work of removing 
government-imposed barriers to educational excellence.
  Since America's teachers are underpaid because they are overtaxed, 
the best way to raise teacher take-home pay is to reduce their taxes. 
Simply by raising teacher's take-home pay via a $1,000 tax credit we 
can accomplish a number of important things. First, we show a true 
commitment to education. We also let America's teachers know that the 
American people and the Congress respect their work. Finally, and 
perhaps most importantly, by raising teacher take-home pay, the Teacher 
Tax Cut Act encourages high-quality professionals to enter, and remain 
in, the teaching profession.
  In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I once again ask my colleagues to put 
aside partisan bickering and unite around the idea of helping educators 
by supporting the Teacher Tax Cut Act.

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