Van Werven bill to address college textbook costs gains House approval

March 5, 2019

The state House of Representatives unanimously approved a measure Monday that would let community and technical college students know whether “low-cost” materials are available for their college courses. John Sattgast reports from the state Capitol.

SATTGAST: (:43) Representative Luanne Van Werven says students should be made aware when they register if there are low cost materials under 50-dollars that could be used for their college classes.

VAN WERVEN (:12) “Mr. Speaker, did you know that over the last 20 years, the cost of tuition and textbooks has increased by 200 percent? That is far and above the rate of inflation.”

SATTGAST: Van Werven says the bill would require community and technical colleges to inform students at the time of registration whether low-cost materials and free online textbooks are available. The Republican from Lynden says the bill is part of her ongoing efforts to make college textbooks and tuition more affordable to students.

The bill now goes to the Senate for further consideration. John Sattgast, Olympia.