The bipartisan Supporting Early-Childhood Educators through Deductions (SEED) Act was introduced Wednesday by Reps. Conor Lamb, D-17th, Tom Reed, R-N.Y., Jimmy Panetta, D-Ca., and Jackie Walorski, R-Ind.

The bill allows early childhood educators to claim the existing $250 tax deduction for K-12 teachers, and will help pre-K teachers cover costs of classroom supplies, both itemized and through standard deductions.

“The work that pre-K teachers do is critical to starting kids off on the right foot and Congress needs to ensure that all teachers have the tools they need to support their students,” Lamb said in a statement. “Pre-K teachers should be focused on their work in the classroom, they shouldn't have to worry about out-of-pocket costs for materials and supplies.”

The SEED Act is endorsed by the Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children, Pennsylvania Head Start Association (PHSA), Allegheny County Department of Children Initiatives, Trying Together, A Plus Schools, Boys & Girls Club of Western PA, Asset Inc. and the Latino Community Center Pittsburgh.