Letter on Teacher Tax Credit Act of 2005
Sent to Representative Heather Wilson

February 17, 2005

Dear Representative Wilson:

On behalf of the National Education Association's (NEA) 2.7 million members, we would like to express our support for the Teacher Tax Credit Act of 2005.

As you know, ensuring a highly qualified teacher in every classroom is critical to closing achievement gaps and maximizing students' academic success. Yet, often those schools with the greatest needs, and consequently the most challenging working conditions, have the most difficulty retaining talented teachers, particularly given the resources and benefits available in more affluent areas.

By providing a non-refundable tax credit to educators who work at schoolwide Title I-eligible schools, your bill would help hard-to-staff schools in rural and inner city areas retain the quality teachers they need to succeed.

We thank you for your leadership on this important issue and look forward to continuing to work with you in support of our nation's public educators.

Sincerely,

Diane Shust, Director of Government Relations

Randall Moody, Manager of Federal Policy and Politics