The Illinois Education Association opposes the GOP federal tax cut plan on many levels, including the provision that ends the tax deduction for teachers who purchase classroom supplies.
Right now, teachers can deduct up to $250 from their federal tax returns, if they buy classroom supplies out of their own pockets.
IEA spokeswoman Bridget Shanahan says National Education Association data estimates that 99 percent of the teachers in the country purchase classroom supplies on their own. And she says the NEA estimates that teachers spend an up to $1,000 a year on their students.
"Sometimes it’s books, paper, pencils, art supplies; sometimes it’s snacks or food for the classroom," Shanahan said.