[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 22 (Thursday, February 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E156-E157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TEACHER TAX CUT ACT AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATORS TAX RELIEF ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON PAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2003

  Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce two pieces of 
legislation that raise the pay of teachers and other educators by 
cutting their taxes. I am sure that all my colleagues agree that it is 
long past time to begin treating those who have dedicated their lives 
to educating America's children with the respect they deserve. Compared 
to other professionals, educators 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 
continue to undervalue educators, it will become harder to attract, and 
keep, good people in the education profession. While educators' pay is 
primarily a local issue, Congress can, and should, help raise 
educators' take home pay by reducing educators' taxes.
  This is why I am introducing the Teacher Tax Cut Act. This 
legislation provides every teacher in America with a $1,000 tax credit. 
I am also introducing the Professional Educators Tax Relief Act, which 
extends the $1,000 tax credit to counselors, librarians, and all school 
personnel involved in any aspect of the K-12 academic program.
  The Teacher Tax Cut Act and the Professional Educators Tax Relief Act 
increase the salaries of teachers and other education professionals 
without raising federal expenditures. By raising the take-home pay of 
professional educators, these bills encourage highly qualified people 
to enter, and remain in, education. These bills also let America's 
professional educators know that the American people and the Congress 
respect their work.

[[Page E157]]

  I hope all my colleagues join me in supporting our nation's teachers 
and other professional educators by cosponsoring the Teacher Tax Cut 
Act and the Professional Educators Tax Relief Act.

                          ____________________