Groups rally for textbooks without taxes

Students representing three major political factions on campus will rally at 3 p.m. today in support of a proposal for tax-free textbooks in the Walnut Room of the Indiana Memorial Union.\nSponsored by the IU College Republicans, Democrats and Libertarians, the rally is one in a series of efforts designed to increase awareness of State Rep. Mark Kruzan's (D-Bloomington) legislation, slated to go before the Indiana general assembly late this month.\nThe event will attempt to recruit more students in the fight for tax-free textbooks, said freshman Leanne Dodge, a Libertarian and primary coordinator of the event. Dodge maintains that, if enacted, the legislation will save college students an estimated $20-$50 per semester.\n"This is an issue that directly affects the financial well-being of every student on this campus," said junior Ben Piper, IU Student Association legislative relations director. "If students don't make a concerted effort to voice their concerns and participate in the political process, our legislators will be forced to make decisions which directly affect us without our input."\nIU College Republicans president Jim Banks, a senior, claims that while these efforts are a step in the right direction, additional steps must be taken to increase University accountability in funds management. Citing IU President Myles Brand's proposal to raise tuition, Banks contended that "the little money that we will save from tax-free textbooks will be insignificant compared to Brand's continual increases in tuition rates."\nLauding the collaborative success by the three driving political groups on campus, Banks also said "this rally is an example of all us working together, despite our political differences, toward the conservative principle of reducing the heavy tax loads, in this case on Indiana college students."\nPiper agreed with Banks. \n"I think the fact that students from each of the three major political parties have come together in support of this speaks volumes about the necessity and importance of a tax exemption on textbooks," he said.\nThe groups encourage both undergraduate and graduate students attend this afternoon's rally, featuring Kruzan as guest speaker. \n"Ending taxation of college textbooks is one small step in limiting our slavery to the state," said graduate student Erin Hollinden, IU College Libertarians vice president. "We hope everyone will do what they can to come and be part of the solution"