Textbooks are costing college students hundreds of dollars each semester in addition to their tuition expense, making college more and more difficult for students to afford. In fact, textbook costs have risen at twice the rate of inflation over the past 20 years and now account for 7 percent of the cost of a college education.

In an effort to keep college textbook costs down, I am co-sponsoring the Textbook Access Act in the State Senate along with Senator Ken LaValle, chairman of the Senate Higher Education Committee, that would put in place textbook guidelines for publishers, bookstores and college and university professors. The legislation would promote more open and transparent marketing of college course materials so that students have the time and information they need to comparison shop for the most competitively priced textbooks. The measure would also require publishers to disclose pricing to faculty members so that they are aware of the cost to their students, and would prohibit bundling of course materials unless the faculty member requests that type of arrangement.

I also recently conducted a public hearing with Senator LaValle to further investigate the college textbook industry and explore additional ways to make course materials more affordable. Students at the hearing complained of the high price of books, the fact that too many new editions come out each year and they are unable to resell their books, and that sometimes they are forced to buy expensive "bundles" of course materials rather than just a textbook. Testimony also focused on the responsibilities of faculty and publishers involved in selling and ordering textbooks, and the availability of less expensive course options including electronic textbooks.

Access to a higher education must be within the reach of every New Yorker. I will push for enactment of the Textbook Access Act and other measures that cut costs for college and university students.

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr.