(Charleston, W. Va.) Senator Mike Oliverio (D-Monongalia) drafted a bill Thursday to provide West Virginia Educators with a $200 tax credit.

The bill is designed to help educators in grades K-12 offset the cost of supplies personally purchased for their classrooms. Senator Oliverio recognizes that it is crucial to help offset the out-of-pocket expenses teachers incur while educating West Virginia’s youth.

Oliverio said, “Many educators spend personal funds in order to supply their classrooms with the needed materials for educating the younger generations.” Additionally, the state’s current fiscal constraints have not allowed for an educator pay raise, creating increased financial pressure on West Virginia teachers. Thus, Senator Oliverio said, “It is extremely important to provide financial relief for the state’s teachers.”