Bynum Introduces Bill to Lower the Cost of School Supplies

Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05) and Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) introduced the Back-to-School Supplies Affordability Act to lower the cost of school supplies for students and teachers. The legislation would exempt school supplies and educational materials from President Trump's tariff taxes, which have raised prices for families across the country.

"Between gas, groceries, and rent, our families are already struggling with rising costs," said Congresswoman Bynum."School supplies are the latest example of how Trump's tariffs are pricing people out of the essentials. With costs up and school supply lists out, families are having to make hard financial decisions. This bill is about giving parents and teachers a break, while still setting our children up for success in the classroom."

"Like families across the country, my wife and I felt the sticker shock when we went back-to-school shopping this year," said Congressman Boyle."Families are already stretching every dollar, and they shouldn't be forced to pay even more for basic school supplies because of President Trump's reckless tariff taxes. I'm proud to help lead this bill to eliminate tariffs on back-to-school essentials and give parents, teachers, and students some much-needed relief."

According to Groundwork Collaborative and the Century Foundation, the cost of school supplies has increased 8 percent this year, with many essential items facing even larger cost increases. Lunchbox prices have increased 27 percent, while notebooks have become 23 percent more expensive.

The Back-to-School Supplies Affordability Act would:

• Direct the Secretaries of Commerce and Education to work together to create a list of tariff-free school supplies, and specifically exempts:
  • Office and school supplies
  • Backpacks
  • Notebooks, memorandum pads, and similar paper products
  • Children's picture, drawing, and coloring books
  • Calendars
  • Computer keyboards
  • Hairbrushes
  • Pencils, crayons, chalk, and other drawing materials
  • Pens, markers, and related writing instruments
• The bill preserves congressional oversight by allowing Congress to disapprove the designation of specific items for tariff exemptions through a Joint Resolution of Disapproval.

In the House, the legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Angie Craig (MN-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Sarah McBride (DE), Juan Vargas (CA-52), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08). This legislation is led in the Senate by Senator Angela Alsobrooks (MD). The bill is cosponsored by Senators Chris Van Hollen (MD), Chris Coons (DE), Andy Kim (NJ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE), Jacky Rosen (NV), and John Hickenlooper (CO).

This year, to confront rising economic pressures on young Americans, Rep. Bynum launched her signature "K-30" agenda. This platform is focused on supporting young Americans by improving education, strengthening the job market, and lowering housing and everyday costs. The Back-to-School Supplies Affordability Act is part of Rep. Bynum's ongoing efforts to support Oregon's children and young families.

The text of the bill is available HERE.

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