Teachers often pay for their own supplies to supplement classroom materials provided by their schools.

A Senate committee is hearing a bill today that would establish a tax credit to help offset these teachers’ out-of-pocket expenses.

Senate Bill 2484 would create a tax credit up to $500 for school teachers, librarians and counselors who purchase classroom supplies and supplementary materials.

A $250 tax deduction that had been offered since 2002 expired at the end of last year.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association supports the measure, noting that budget constraints have forced teachers to dig deeper into their pockets to find creative ways to teach lessons. Providing extra support for students impacts teachers’ families, the union points out.