Lampitt-, Haider-, and Quijano-sponsored bill would provide a gross income tax deduction to educators and paraprofessionals who pay for school supplies
(TRENTON) — Legislation that would allow for the deduction of unreimbursed school supply expenditures was advanced by the Assembly Education Committee last week. Bill A3416, sponsored by Assemblywomen Pamela Lampitt, Shama Haider, and Annette Quijano, would help alleviate the financial burden that many teachers face in order to educate our state’s students.
“This bill is designed to support educators who far too often have to dig into their own pockets to stock their classrooms,” said Assemblywoman Lampitt, Chair of the Assembly Education Committee (D-Camden, Burlington). “A3416 is about doing right by our state’s teachers, and thanking them for their commitment to ensuring their classrooms are safe, healthy learning spaces.”
The legislation would provide gross income tax deductions of up to $250 to eligible educators and paraprofessionals for certain classroom supply expenses incurred during the taxable year. Supplies eligible for this deduction include books, computer equipment, including related software and services, and other equipment, supplies, and supplementary materials used by an eligible educator and paraprofessional in the classroom.
“Teachers often go above and beyond to provide the best learning environment for their students, and unfortunately that sometimes means paying out of pocket for classroom essentials,” said Assemblywoman Haider (D-Bergen). “This legislation is a small step towards recognizing their commitment and providing financial relief.”
“By providing these tax deductions, we show our appreciation to the crucial contributions that educators and paraprofessionals make in shaping our children,” said Assemblywoman Quijano (D-Union). “This bill not only provides essential financial support for teachers, but also acknowledges the immense dedication and role they play in developing young minds, ensuring a brighter future for our state.”
This legislation defines New Jersey “educators” as kindergarten through 12th grade teachers, instructors, counselors, speech-language specialists, or principals, currently employed in a public or private school for at least 900 hours during a school year. The bill also defines “paraprofessionals” as individuals employed as a school aides or classroom aides who assist the primary teacher in carrying out daily classroom operations including the supervision of pupil activities.