The Colorado Catholic Conference supports HB24-1221, Income Tax Credit for Eligible Teachers.
HB 1221 would create a refundable state income tax credit for Colorado educators who use their personal funds on instructional resources including classroom supplies, educational materials, field trips and professional development costs. This legislation provides much needed financial support for public school teachers who use their own resources to provide for their students.
This legislation is necessary at a time of high inflation when the cost of school supplies has increased nearly 24 percent. Data from the U.S. Department of Education indicate that 94 percent of teachers have used their person finances to purchase school supplies. On average, this equates to $500 to $750 of a teacher’s own money to fill the gaps left by school districts and to ensure that students are well-equipped to learn in the classroom.
HB 1221 takes a necessary step to alleviate this financial burden for Colorado educators by offering a refundable income tax credit to offset the expenses that almost every educator incurs. Teachers play an integral role in the shaping of students, thereby promoting the welfare of the child and the common good. Recruiting and retaining quality teachers should therefore be a priority for the state, and research has shown that out-of-pocket expenses are detrimental to both recruitment and retention. Indeed, in a 2023 report from the Colorado Department of Education, 58 percent of Colorado educators are currently considering leaving the profession. If passed, HB 1221 will help Colorado recruit and retain the best teachers at a time when there is a teacher shortage both in Colorado and nationwide.
While HB 1221 is a step in the right direction, more needs to be done to ensure that teachers are supported, and our children have access to a quality education. For example, this legislation should be improved by allowing ALL licensed teachers to enjoy the same tax benefit for their personal expenses in the classroom. Regardless of school type, teachers who use their personal funds for Colorado children deserve to be eligible for this tax credit since this bill is ultimately about caring for teachers who sacrifice for their students.
The Colorado Catholic Conference urges the passage of HB 1221.