Bill would help pay for teacher supplies in Nevada

CARSON CITY — Nevada’s public school teachers could receive as much as $100 a year to cover unreimbursed expenses they incur in buying material for their classrooms under a bill introduced Tuesday in the state Senate.

Senate Minority Leader Minority Leader Michael Roberson, R-Las Vegas, introduced Senate Bill 240 that would create the Teachers School Supplies Reimbursement Account.

Under the bill, the state would spend $2.5 million a year on the account. These funds are not included in the governor’s proposed budget so legislators would have to find a funding source.

Teachers would have to sign a form, under penalty of perjury, that the supplies they buy are for the use of the classroom. School districts would appropriate the funds to teachers.

For years the Nevada State Education Association has complained that teachers often buy supplies for their students.

The bill has bipartisan support with Senate Majority Leader Mo Denis, D-Las Vegas, signing on as co-sponsor.

Contact Capital Bureau Chief Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.