Rep. Sweeney introduces bipartisan bill to eliminate sales tax on college textbooks

State Reps. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Cleveland) and Niraj Antani (R-Miamisburg) today introduced bipartisan legislation to exempt college textbooks from state sales tax.

“Making textbooks tax-exempt is one small step toward breaking down barriers to higher education,” said Rep. Sweeney. “Since colleges often require textbooks at skyrocketing prices to complete basic courses, it is incumbent upon state legislators to act to reduce the financial burden on Ohio students.”

“The absurd rise of college costs must be combatted,” said Rep. Antani. “A little bit of extra money can go a long way for a college student. This tax cut will do just that and make college more affordable to all Ohioans.”

A recent study found that the average cost of a required college textbook is $97. At this cost, a student can feasibly spend thousands of dollars for textbooks over their entire college career. Reps. Sweeney and Antani say the bill would provide meaningful financial relief for students and families facing ever-rising costs to attend college.