Bill · S. 1676· Senate(119-S-1676)
RETAIN Act
- Introduced
- 5/8/2025
- Last activity
- 5/8/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text: CR S2839-2841)
- Sponsored by
- Richard Durbin
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The RETAIN Act aims to address the shortage of educators and school leaders in early childhood, elementary, and secondary education. It proposes creating a refundable tax credit to reward retention based on how long an individual serves in their position. Eligible roles include teachers, school leaders, and mental health providers working in qualifying schools or programs. The credit amount increases based on continuous years of employment, reaching a peak at the tenth year. This bill seeks to mitigate issues caused by low pay and high turnover in high-poverty areas.
Yes· 3 of 17
Does this put more money into public schools?+6
While not direct funding for schools, the tax credit effectively increases the net income of public school employees.
Would children be better off under this?+5
Improving educator retention and quality directly benefits children's academic success.
Would students be better off under this?+5
Better educator retention leads to more stable and higher-quality educational environments for students.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Financial Support for Educators: The bill provides a refundable tax credit that rewards educators for staying in their jobs, which can help address issues like low pay and student loan debt. (Section 4(a))
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Increased Compensation for Long-term Staff: The credit amount grows the longer a person stays in their role, offering up to $11,600 for the tenth continuous year of employment. (Section 4(b)(1))
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Support for High-Need Areas: By targeting qualifying schools and programs, the bill addresses shortages that are particularly acute in high-poverty areas. (Section 3)
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Inflation Protection: Starting after 2026, the tax credit amounts are adjusted for inflation to ensure the value of the credit keeps up with living costs. (Section 4(c))
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Protection Against Salary Reductions: State or local agencies are prohibited from reducing an employee's compensation or loan forgiveness because of their eligibility for this tax credit. (Section 4(d)(1))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Loss of Credit for Veteran Educators: Individuals who have been employed in eligible positions for more than 20 school years will see their credit amount reduced to zero. (Section 4(b)(3))
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Employment Duration Requirements: To qualify for the credit in the first year, an individual must have been employed for at least 4 months before the start of the taxable year. (Section 4(b)(2))
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+5Good For Students+5Good For African Americans+3Good For Middle Class Households+3Good For Low Income Households+2Good For Urban Residents+2Good For Young Adults+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+5Improves Childcare Affordability+3Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Public School Funding+6Improves Student Loan Relief+3
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Middle Class Taxes+5Increases Job Creation+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2Increases Federal Power+2
- Healthcare
- Improves Mental Health Access+4
- 5/8/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text: CR S2839-2841)
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Tina SmithDemocrat · Minnesota