A new bill was presented in the United States Senate this week that aims to offer tax relief to coaches employed at K-12 schools, with support from both political parties.

Senator Maggie Hassan, a Democrat from New Hampshire, and Senator Tim Scott, a Republican from South Carolina, proposed a bill called the COACHES Act, which stands for Creating Opportunity for Athletic Coaches to Help Educate Students.

If approved, the COACHES Act would modify the existing federal tax laws to permit K-12 coaches to be recognized as eligible educators for tax deductions when they have certain out-of-pocket expenses for instructional purposes.

“Sen. Scott expressed the importance of coaches and athletic administrators in the overall achievement of students, as they offer guidance and teachings that have a long-lasting impact. The legislation proposed by Sen. Scott aims to recognize and support these crucial educators who dedicate themselves to the development of students nationwide.”

Teachers, instructors, counselors, principals, and aides who work at a K-12 school for at least 900 hours during the school year are considered eligible educators. However, this does not include athletic coaches. Eligible educators can claim deductions for professional development, books, supplies, computer equipment, other equipment, and supplemental materials used in the classroom.

The proposed COACHES Act would permit K-12 athletic coaches to receive the same tax deductions as other professions. The current tax credit amount is $250, with an additional adjustment of $300 to account for inflation.

The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, the National Football League, Major League Soccer, the National Basketball Association, Nike, Adidas, and the Sports & Fitness Industry Association all endorse the COACHES Act.

Phil Rison, the executive director of the NIAAA, urges Congress to approve this significant legislation and to persevere in ensuring that athletic administrators are acknowledged and appreciated as educators who contribute greatly to the well-being of our children within the education system.

Senator Hassan and Senator Scott previously introduced a similar bill in the previous session of Congress.

Source: highschoolot.com