A Grundy County lawmaker has supported legislation that will increase the tax credit to teachers and other school staff who purchase classroom materials at public or private schools Illinois to $300.

State Senator Patrick Joyce said Senate Bill 1143 allows for a tax credit in the amount paid by the educator or other school staff like teacher aids or school counselors for classroom materials up to $300 beginning in taxable year 2023.

In current law, the maximum credit allowed is $250. At the highest reported amount in record, teachers spent an average of $750 on school supplies out of pocket during the 2020-2021 school year.

Approximately 30% of teachers spent $1,000 or more on school supplies. SB 1143 was approved by the Senate Thursday and will now head to the House for further consideration.