A bill sponsored by Assemblyman William Colton (D—Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights) would allow New York teachers in grades K through 12 to deduct annually from their state income taxes up to $500 spent on outfitting their classrooms.

The legislation (A1926) would apply to teachers in both public and non-public schools, and complement an existing federal income tax deduction in the amount of $250 each year for money spent on classroom supplies, an amount that does not begin to cover teachers’ average annual outlay.

“Our teachers are constantly going the extra mile for their students,” said Assemblyman Colton, who himself was a New York City public school teacher early in his career. “And, they often dig into their own pockets to do so, sacrificing so their students can learn on a more level playing field. They should not have to do this, and the least we can do is try to provide a little financial relief, especially in these tough economic times, when everything costs more. We owe it to them, and we owe it to their students, who reap the benefits of their dedicated service.”

According to AdoptaClassroom.org, in the 2024-2025 school year, teachers across the U.S. spent a whopping $895 each, on average, on supplies for their classrooms, a number that has gone up rapidly, the site says – as much as 49 percent since 2015 – even as the median school district allowance for classroom supplies across the U.S. is just $200. In fact, according to AdoptaClassroom.org, teachers spend their own money even though some 20 percent of them take second jobs to make ends meet. Why do they do it? The site says, 81 percent of those who answered a survey explained it was because “they want every student to have the same opportunities in the classroom.”