Political Quotes

“I rise today to introduce, ``The Teacher Tax Credit Act.'' All of us know that individuals do not pursue a career in the teaching profession for the money. People go into the teaching profession for grander reasons--to educate our youth, to make a lasting influence. Simply put, to teach is to touch a life forever. How true that is. I venture to say that every one of us can remember at least one teacher and the special influence he or she had on our lives. Despite the fact that teachers play such an important role, elementary and secondary education teachers are underpaid, overworked, and, unfortunately, all too often, under-appreciated. I was astounded to learn that teachers expend significant money out of their own pocket to better the education of our children. Most typically, our teachers are spending money out of their own pocket on three types of expenses: (1) education expenses brought into the classroom--such as books, supplies, pens, paper, and computer equipment; (2) professional development expenses--such as tuition, fees, books, and supplies associated with courses that help our teachers become even better instructors; and (3) interest paid by the teacher for previously incurred higher education loans. This is the essence of volunteerism in the United States--teachers spending their own money to better our childrens' education. Why do they do this? Simply because school budgets are not adequate to meet the costs of education.”