ASUN's tax-free textbook bill loses steam in Legislature
By: Adam Templeton
Issue date: 7/2/07 Section: News
Much to the dismay of the Nebraska college students, the tax-free textbook bill promoted by the Association of the Students of the University of Nebraska appears dead in the water for this session of the Legislature.
Although a similar bill was passed in Texas, the original inspiration for the local offshoot, Nebraska doesn't appear to have the
same luck.
The bill, which would make all required university textbooks tax exempt, never made it to the senate floor for discussion, said Matt Schaefer, former president of ASUN.
Following a committee hearing this spring, discussion of the bill was postponed indefinitely.
"It's kind of in a limbo right now," said Schafer, a 2007
UNL graduate.
Schaefer pushed the bill as a major part of his presidential campaign platform. After taking office, Schaefer, along with other ASUN members, lobbied Nebraska senators on the state's Revenue Committee to introduce the bill. It was eventually brought into legislation by Senator Danielle Nantkes of Lincoln.
Schaefer said the bill had the potential to have a far-reaching effect in the state.
"Kids at UNO or Wesleyan will reap the same benefits as students at UNL," Schaefer said.
Although the bill is tabled, it is still possible for the bill to be resurrected during the second legislative session.
"It's a shorter session, only 60 days, so things move a lot quicker," said Adam Morfeld, ASUN Government Liaison Chairman. "We have a better chance of getting it revived."
For now, ASUN is mulling over different methods of bringing the bill back into the limelight. Morfeld said the student government is exploring a variety of new angles to take on the bill.
"We're trying to come at it with a completely new approach," Morfeld said. "We're not about to quit on the issue."
Schaefer said that he hopes the bill will be given a chance for further review, as he feels it to be one positive way to combat rising tuition costs.
"Lots of things are tax exempt, and a college education should be as well," Schaefer said. "A well-educated workforce leads to improved welfare for the
entire state."
Morfeld echoed Schaefer's sentiments, agreeing the high cost of education has an even higher impact on students. And like Schaefer, he's not about to give up.
"I'm confident that if we can find a senator who will make this something they're passionate about, we can make it a reality," Morfeld said.
Although a similar bill was passed in Texas, the original inspiration for the local offshoot, Nebraska doesn't appear to have the
same luck.
The bill, which would make all required university textbooks tax exempt, never made it to the senate floor for discussion, said Matt Schaefer, former president of ASUN.
Following a committee hearing this spring, discussion of the bill was postponed indefinitely.
"It's kind of in a limbo right now," said Schafer, a 2007
UNL graduate.
Schaefer pushed the bill as a major part of his presidential campaign platform. After taking office, Schaefer, along with other ASUN members, lobbied Nebraska senators on the state's Revenue Committee to introduce the bill. It was eventually brought into legislation by Senator Danielle Nantkes of Lincoln.
Schaefer said the bill had the potential to have a far-reaching effect in the state.
"Kids at UNO or Wesleyan will reap the same benefits as students at UNL," Schaefer said.
Although the bill is tabled, it is still possible for the bill to be resurrected during the second legislative session.
"It's a shorter session, only 60 days, so things move a lot quicker," said Adam Morfeld, ASUN Government Liaison Chairman. "We have a better chance of getting it revived."
For now, ASUN is mulling over different methods of bringing the bill back into the limelight. Morfeld said the student government is exploring a variety of new angles to take on the bill.
"We're trying to come at it with a completely new approach," Morfeld said. "We're not about to quit on the issue."
Schaefer said that he hopes the bill will be given a chance for further review, as he feels it to be one positive way to combat rising tuition costs.
"Lots of things are tax exempt, and a college education should be as well," Schaefer said. "A well-educated workforce leads to improved welfare for the
entire state."
Morfeld echoed Schaefer's sentiments, agreeing the high cost of education has an even higher impact on students. And like Schaefer, he's not about to give up.
"I'm confident that if we can find a senator who will make this something they're passionate about, we can make it a reality," Morfeld said.
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