Galesburg Reporter

State Rep. Dan Swanson (R-Woodhull) is ready to get to work as part of the College Course Materials Affordability and Equitable Access Task Force after being appointed by House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Burr Ridge).

“Course materials can be an expensive, and often hidden, component of higher education expenses for students,” Swanson said in a press release from his office. “By examining best practices of public and private higher education institutions across the country, it is the goal of this Task Force to study and make recommendations for improving both ‘first day of class access’ for students, as well as affordability.”

The task force will evaluate textbook subscription and rental programs, used textbooks sales, open educational resources, and access and barriers and impediments. Created through Public Act 102-122, the task force will also report on how some institutions have overcome access issues.

Swanson attended community college as well as Western Illinois University with assistance from the Illinois Veterans Grant, and said he understands the plight of working families to pay for college.

“We must continue to innovate new ways to make college more affordable for all families,” Swanson said in the press release. “Hidden costs like course materials can put families in a bad spot just as students are getting started in their collegiate studies. I sincerely hope we can examine and present information to help these families through the work of this Task Force.”

The task force will be comprised of 23 members: four each from the General Assembly and the public, and four from an institution of higher learning. According to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission website, the other member will include representatives from the Illinois Board of Higher of Education; Illinois Community College Board; Illinois Student Assistance Commission; Faculty Advisory Council of the Illinois Board of Higher Education; Student Advisory Council of the Illinois Board of Higher Education, librarian or online education specialist; national association representing the higher education textbook publishing industry; statewide professional organization that advocates on behalf of public university employees; statewide professional organization that advocates on behalf of public community college employees; national association representing higher education book stores in this state; and higher education digital content platform provider with offices located within this state.

Additionally, the CCM Task Force may consult with higher education administrators, faculty, campus bookstores, publishers, librarians, and other online education specialists for their perspectives.