FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Scott Waters | scott.waters@mail.house.gov | (845) 721-9247
Caroline Hunt | caroline.hunt3@mail.house.gov | (225) 244-1086
Washington, D.C. – 8/4/26… Yesterday, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at providing tax relief for hardworking families and supporting educators who use their own funds and resources to help students succeed in the classroom.
The Supporting Students and Families Act creates a new refundable tax credit of up to $200 for families to help offset the cost of books, supplies, and equipment needed for a child’s enrollment or attendance in elementary or secondary school. The credit would apply to eligible expenses incurred at public, private, or religious schools and provide additional support for families during the back-to-school season.
The Supporting Our Educators Act of 2026 increases the above-the-line deduction for K-12 teachers’ classroom expenses from $250 to $600, allowing educators to deduct more of the money they spend on classroom supplies and materials. The legislation recognizes the personal financial contributions teachers make to support their students and ensure classrooms are equipped with the resources needed for learning.
“As families head into the back-to-school season, the cost of books, supplies, and other essential materials can quickly add up. At the same time, too many teachers continue to spend their own hard-earned money to provide their students with the best resources they need in the classroom. These two bills will provide not only meaningful tax relief for families but also support our educators who invest in the future of our children,” said Congressman Lawler.
Full text of the Supporting Students and Families Act HERE.
Full text of the Supporting Our Educators Act of 2026 HERE.
Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.