Jimmy Panetta: “I rise in support of my Supporting Early-childhood Educators' Deductions Act. This is legislation that would extend…”

“I rise in support of my Supporting Early-childhood Educators' Deductions Act. This is legislation that would extend eligibility for the educator expense deduction to early-childhood educators, pre-K educators, who are currently excluded from that benefit. It is bipartisan legislation that I worked on closely with Brian Fitzpatrick, which was reported unanimously out of the Ways and Means Committee. It is a bill that finally recognizes the vital role early-childhood educators play in shaping the foundation of a child's development. These educators work with children during their most formative years, laying the groundwork for cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Yet, despite this enormous responsibility, these teachers remain excluded from basic tax benefits that acknowledge teachers' financial burdens. The SEED Act would correct this by finally extending the existing above-the-line educator expense deduction to early-childhood educators working with children 5 years old or younger.”