Back-to-School Season in Kentucky’s Fourth District
A column by Congressman Geoff Davis
Washington,
Aug 11 -
The arrival of August can only mean one thing for students and teachers: it is time to prepare for a new school year. As the back-to-school season begins, I wanted to take this opportunity to provide you with an update on recent education initiatives and the services my office offers to students, parents and teachers in the Fourth District.
Given the expanding influence of the Internet, it is important to increase our efforts to educate young people on how to avoid the potential dangers that come with it. That is why I am a co-sponsor of the Student Internet Safety Act (H.R. 780), a bill that would allow schools to use existing federal grant programs (if they choose) to develop and expand educational programs that promote safe Internet use by students. These programs would teach students about appropriate online behavior, such as chat room and social networking website use; how to protect themselves from online predators, bullies, and unwanted exposure to inappropriate material; and promote the involvement of parents in Internet usage by their children. H.R. 780 passed the House in June by a vote of 416 – 0 and now awaits consideration in the Senate.
According to the National Institute for Literacy (NIFL), children who become proficient at reading in the early grades are more likely to become better learners throughout their school years and beyond. I am strong supporter of childhood literacy initiatives, including some federally-funded programs like Reading is Fundamental and Reach Out and Read. As we begin a new school year, I urge parents to monitor their child’s reading progress in school and forge close relationships with their child’s teacher. Teachers can also suggest ways parents can help a child build his or her reading skills at home. Encouraging the development of reading skills at school and at home is vital to cultivating a generation of lifelong readers.
As the husband of a teacher and the father of a new teacher, I know all too well how often educators use their own resources to supplement or amplify the supplies and materials available in their classroom. Congress enacted a tax deduction of up to $250 a year for elementary and secondary school teachers who spend personal funds on classroom supplies. Unfortunately, the law authorizing the deduction expired on December 31, 2007. During the 110th Congress, I was pleased to be a co-sponsor of the Teacher Tax Relief Act of 2007 (H.R. 549) to increase the allowable deduction from $250 to $400 and make the deduction permanent. Although H.R. 549 was not considered in Congress before the end of the 110th Congress, Congress voted to extend the original $250 tax deduction through December 31, 2009 as part of a larger package of tax provisions (H.R. 1424).
Recently, I launched a new website that includes an extensive section designed to help Kentucky students of all grade levels learn more about American history and the U.S. Government. On the website, there are also special pages for teachers who are interested in resources for lesson plans and learning activities, as well as parents and college-age students who are looking for help with financial aid and student loans. Click here to visit the Student Corner section of the website.
Also on the website, you can learn more about how my Washington, D.C. office can assist your school, class, or family in planning a visit to our nation’s capital. If you are coming to the Washington, D.C. area, we are happy to arrange a tour of the U.S. Capitol Building, White House, or Pentagon. Please contact the office at (202) 225-3465 or click here to request a tour online and we will do everything we can to help make your trip educational and enjoyable.
I always enjoy any opportunity to visit with students and teachers in the Fourth District. Making visits to classrooms allows me to learn about local solutions schools are using to improve the educational experience of each child, while talking to kids about our government and my role as a U.S. Congressman. If you are interested in arranging a visit to your school or classroom, please contact my Washington, D.C. office to make that request.
