Admin • February 26, 2019 • 10:10 pm
Kunze Introduces Legislation Investing in Ohio Schools
COLUMBUS— State Senators Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard) and Michael Rulli (R- Salem) today offered sponsored testimony on Senate Bill 4, legislation which would provide an additional $100 million in funding for the renovation and construction of safe school buildings across Ohio.
This bill has been designated as a top priority in the Ohio Senate for the 133rd General Assembly.
“Ensuring that students have a safe and quality learning environment is an essential part of their educational experience,” said Kunze. “I believe this additional funding will help improve our state’s education system all across the state.”
Priority will be given to the lowest-wealth schools and those with exceptional needs.
Kunze also introduced Senate Bill 26, which helps to reduce the financial burden teachers face when purchasing school supplies and other classroom equipment. Ohio teachers spend an average of $600 a year to purchase basic supples.
The bill authorizes Ohio teachers to deduct up to $250 of unreimbursed expenses incurred each year for professional development and classroom supplies.
The deduction mirrors an existing federal income tax deduction for teacher expenses.
“My goal is to help enhance the federal Educator Expense Deduction with an additional $250 deduction at the state level as we realize that Ohio’s educators often spend more money out of their own pockets to prepare and educate their students,” said Kunze.
Senate Bill 4 will receive further consideration in the Senate Finance Committee and Senate Bill 26 will receive further consideration in the Senate Ways and Means Committee.
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