Press Release

Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. last week (CA-07) introduced the Tools to Educate All Children at Home (TEACH) Act to support educators during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Whether it is in-person or virtual instruction, Sacramento County teachers have gone above and beyond during the pandemic to ensure our students continue to receive a high-quality education," said Rep. Bera. "But many educators are paying more in out-of-pocket expenses to keep pace with the demands of teaching during a pandemic. Teachers in my district are paying for printed materials, new laptops, and upgraded internet connections to continue instruction from their homes. As we work to safely return our students and staff back to school, we need to make sure teachers are not saddled with increased expenses because of the transition to virtual learning. My bill will get hard-earned money back to our teachers who have gone the extra mile for our children."

In normal years, teachers on average spend almost twice the amount of the existing tax deduction ($250) for eligible school expenses. The TEACH Act would increase the educator expense deduction from $250 to $1,000 for the 2020 and 2021 tax years. It would also clarify that the deduction covers expenses related to online classroom instruction including upgrading an educator's home internet or buying a new computer to handle the demand of virtual learning.

Click here to read the TEACH Act.