As the U.S. Senate moves forward to consider its version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the National School Boards Association (NSBA) is calling on local school boards to take action to oppose provisions that would have a negative impact on revenues for public education. The Senate is expected to act on the legislation next week.
According to NSBA, the Senate bill, like the House of Representatives version passed on Nov. 16, is a dangerous precedent in federal policy and an assault on public education. NSBA urges local school board members to tell their senators to vote “NO” on tax reform legislation before the bill is considered on the floor.
“Because of its elimination of the state and local tax deduction, the Senate bill could be devastating to New Jersey’s public schools,” explained Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod, New Jersey School Boards Association executive director.
NJSBA has developed a sample resolution that local school boards can use to express opposition to the Senate version of the “Tax Cut and Jobs Act.”
There are key differences between the House and Senate bills. For example, the current Senate version would repeal state and local tax deductions altogether, while the House bill would eliminate state tax deductions and limit local property tax deductions at $10,000.
The National School Boards Association urges local school board members to express opposition to measures that would limit full deductibility of state and local taxes, divert public funds away from public education, and eliminate investments in our students, school leaders and school infrastructure. NSBA’s “Action Plan” follows.
ACT NOW! School board members may contact their U.S. senator by taking the following steps: send a letter urging strong opposition for this type of tax reform legislation; and send a tweet to the office letting them know your opposition as a school district leader. NSBA also encourages board members to use social media to contact lawmakers via Twitter using messages such as:@senXX Vote NO on the #TaxReformBill and #StandUp4PublicSchools! @NSBActionCenter
#TaxReform at the expense of our public schools and students is not reform. @senXX the students in xx School District need you to vote NO on the #TaxReformBill #Standup4PublicSchools @NSBActionCenter
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will drain resources from local communities and students. @senXX we need your leadership for public schools and the students in XXcity and XXSchool District.
Vote NO on the devastating #TaxReformBill @4PublicSchools @NSBActionCenter