William Helms: “this sense-of-the-Senate resolution calls for the extension of a critical education tax provision that enables American…”

“this sense-of-the-Senate resolution calls for the extension of a critical education tax provision that enables American workers to further their education and better provide for their families. I have vigorously supported this education tax credit since its initial authorization in 1978. This provision has allowed millions of American men and women to acquire new skills and pursue their educational goals. Our Government, being a republic, relies on the promotion of a moral and principled citizenry, education is central to the continued vitality of America. President Thomas Jefferson put it this way: ``If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.'' The Federal Government has promoted education and individual choice through the educational assistance exclusion, codified at section 127 of the Internal Revenue Code, a provision that allows employees to receive up to $5,250 a year, tax-free, in educational benefits from their respective employers.”