House Bill Would Raise Taxes on Teachers by $210M Annually

There's one good reason teachers should be rooting for the Senate Republicans' tax plan to end up on the desk of President Donald Trump — the education expense deduction.

The Senate would double the deduction; the House plan, which passed last week, eliminates it altogether, The Washington Post reported.

It's the difference of being able to deduct $500 a year on federal income taxes (it's currently $250) or losing it, essentially raising taxes on teachers to the tune of $210 million annually, the Post reports.

It's one of several differences between the two bills.

"I will continue to advocate for the Senate provision doubling the deduction," Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said in a statement to the Post. "During my Senate service, I have visited more than 200 schools throughout Maine. At virtually every school, I have met teachers who are spending money out of their own pockets to benefit their students."

The Senate plans to vote on its bill next week.

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