[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 42 (Tuesday, March 10, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H3112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   GIVE OUR TEACHERS A HEAD START ACT

  (Mr. WILSON of Ohio asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. WILSON of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Give 
Our Teachers a Head Start Act, a bill which makes strong investments in 
today's Head Start teachers and teachers' aides.
  In this challenging economy, Head Start programs around the Nation 
are feeling the consequences. And when budget shortfalls hit these 
programs, it is the children who suffer. Many teachers and teachers' 
aides attempt to fill the gap and make personal financial sacrifices to 
provide their students with classroom supplies. The average Head Start 
teacher with a B.A. degree earns almost half of the average 
Kindergarten teacher, but is excluded from the current law permitting 
K-12 teachers an income tax deduction. This legislation would permit 
Head Start teachers and teachers' aides the ability to subtract from 
their gross income up to $250 in expenses that would be associated with 
the purchase of classroom supplies.
  When funding falls short and teachers sacrifice to fill the gap, it 
seems only fair that they should at least get a tax deduction. I urge 
my colleagues to support this bill.

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