Resolution 05-A: SUPPORTING A SALES TAX EXEMPTION ON TEXTBOOKS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

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Number	05-A
Description	tax exempt on textbooks
Authored by	Josh Sawyer Zach Walker James Urban David Schnautz
Sponsored by	Zac Sanders
Date Submitted	Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Date Considered	Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Committee	Academic Affairs
Result	Passed By Legislative Branch
Remarks	PENDING
Whereas	The cost of education for in-state students at public four-year colleges and universities has increased by 5.9 percent from the 2003-2004 academic year to the 2004-2005 academic year. [1]
Whereas	The average cost of tuition and fees over the period from 1994 to 2004 increased by 51 percent at public four year colleges and universities [2]
Whereas	The average increase of college tuition over the period from 1981 to 2001 was 110 percent while the average increase of median family income over this period was 27 percent [3].
Whereas	The average student will spend almost $900 per year on textbooks [4] and since 1994, college textbook prices have increased at nearly four times the rate of inflation [5]
Whereas	A July 2004 eBay survey showed that 43 percent of students surveyed had chosen not to purchase required textbooks for at least one course in an effort to save money
Whereas	Bills have been introduced in the 79th Session of the Texas State Legislature proposing a sales tax-exemption on textbooks required for the purposes of higher education.
Be It Further Resolved That	The Student Congress at the University of Texas at Arlington strongly supports efforts by the Texas State Legislature to create a sales tax-exemption on textbooks required for the purposes of higher education.
Be It Further Resolved That	Student Congress at the University of Texas at Arlington will work with other college and universities across the state to ensure the voice of students be heard.
Downloadable File	Download 05-ASupportingaSalesTaxExemptiononTextbooksforHigherEducation_1627927809.pdf