TFA supports some textbook affordability bills but opposes others

TFA has lobbied this session in favor of some bills relating to textbook affordability for college students but has opposed others. The Association strongly supports SB 49 by Senator Judith Zaffirini exempting books purchased by university and college students from the sales tax. Testifying in favor of the bill before the Senate Finance Committee, TFA Executive Director Dr. Charles Zucker told the Committee that passing the bill should be a "no brainer." He observed that the Texas legislature had already passed establishing a "tax free holiday" allowing parents to save money on their children’s back-to-school clothes. SB 49 has passed the Senate and will be sent to the House.

TFA also supports SB 114 by Letticia Van de Putte that would open up competition among college bookstores and thus possibly save students some money. The bill has passed the Senate and has been referred to the House Higher Education Committee.

TFA has vigorously opposed HB 960 by Rep. Abel Herrero and HB 956 by Rep. Scott Hochberg. TFA Legislative Committee Chair Ken Margerison testified against HB 956 before the House Higher Education Committee. Both of these bills would place onerous restrictions on the ability of college professors to choose textbooks for their courses. HB 960 is pending in the Higher Education Committee; HB 956 has passed out of the Higher Education Committee and has been sent to the House Calendars Committee. For more information about why TFA opposes these bills, click here.

 

Why Join TFA?

Testimonials from TFA members

What's New?

The TFA UTMB-Galveston chapter blog

Faculty Salary Data

  Universities 2008

  Community Colleges 2008

From the Coordinating Board

An Overview of TRS and ORP for Employees Eligible to Elect ORP