IUSA part of campaign to eliminate textbook tax

Students might save on textbooks in a new way, if House Bill 16 passes through the Indiana General Assembly.\nThe IU Student Association is part of a campaign to eliminate taxation on textbooks. According to an online version of the bill, textbooks required for an undergraduate course at an accredited college or university will be exempt from state sales taxes. The books would need to be purchased by a student or guardian of a student enrolled in an accredited college or university in Indiana. IUSA President Betsy Henke said it looks like the bill will get a hearing.\n"We know you can't beat down on bookstores anymore or the publisher," Henke said. "(The bill) looks to be very feasible."\nHenke said the campaign has received "e-mails and phone calls from various state legislatures across the state, as well as students at other schools, who are actively supporting this initiative" and she said she will continue making several trips to Indianapolis this semester for state government budgetary sessions.\nHenke said in an e-mail that members of IUSA appeared on Indianapolis television stations with Sen. Brent Steele (R-Bedford), who authored the bill, to show support for students.\nWhile the bill awaits a hearing, students at IU are supporting IUSA's efforts. \n"I had to buy three more," said sophomore Kelly McDonnell while she sat in the Indiana Memorial Union Thursday after making another trip to the IU Bookstore. "I think (the bill) will make a big difference. Students have a hard enough time paying for the books with tuition being so high."\nMcDonnell said she knows several students who get help paying for tuition, but have to pay for textbooks on their own.\n"I got used books for $129 -- it's ridiculous, and then I'll probably only get $50 back," she said. "Any type of help would be amazing."\nSenior Justin Brown said he believes the tax exemption would make a difference.\n"Basically, every little bit counts," Brown said. "We don't get (tax) money back in the refund when we sell books back."\nFreshman Tyler Bohman echoed Brown's opinion. \n"I am obviously for it," Bohman said. "Spending $350 or $400 on books for a semester isn't my favorite part of the semester. It'll put the student government in a good light with the students"