New York City teachers are going to have to shell out more of their own money this fall in order to stock up their classrooms, according to the head of the teacher?s union.

Last fall, teachers received $260 to spend on supplies such as paper, markers and crayons. Because of budget cuts, this year they will only get $150. Randi Weingarten, president of United Federation of Teachers, estimates teachers spend about $500 each year on school supplies, and the latest budget cut only adds to the financial hardships they face.

The teachers may eventually be forced to pass the burden on to parents, Weingarten said.