SAC: Press Releases : 3/16/2000
Student Advisory Council to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia
John M. Fuchko, III, Chair | Timothy P. Vick, Vice-Chair
Rochell Akin, Secretary | Jerry Edwards, Treasurer (Acting)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Brian D. Beers, Press Secretary
Brianbeers@hotmail.com
(678) 377-2848
(770) 339-2200
Textbook Tax Exemption Bill Introduced In Georgia House
March 16, 2000 (Atlanta) - State Representative Don Wix of Mableton introduced a bill on March 7th that would eliminate state sales tax on the sale of college textbooks, saving Georgia's students millions each year. The bill, H.B. 1694, will now go to the House Ways & Means committee before being considered by the full house.
Legislation eliminating the sales tax on textbooks was recommended by the Student Advisory Council (SAC) in January 1999 as a way for the state to encourage higher education in Georgia. Several states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Michigan have implemented similar laws in recent years. SAC External Affairs Committee Chair Nels Peterson estimates the proposal would save Georgia's college students $2-4 million annually.
"When the Student Advisory Council came to me with this idea, immediately I was in support of this legislation." Said Representative Wix, "Many of our students support families and work more than 40 hours a week to make a living. HB 1694 is a great piece of legislation that is an important step for the hard working students of this state."
Student Advisory Council Chair John M. Fuchko III added, "This bill is an excellent opportunity for Georgia to once again demonstrate its commitment to higher education. It will also achieve the goal of stretching our financial aid dollars without appropriating additional funds."
The Student Advisory Council to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (SAC) is the official representative body of the more than 200,000 students of the University System, consisting of the student body president or appointed delegate from each of Georgia's 34 public colleges and universities. SAC considers issues affecting students and makes recommendations to the Board of Regents, the Georgia Legislature, and the Governor.