Connecticut’s ‘Sales Tax Free Week’ can be improved

I hope many of you were able to take advantage of the state’s sales tax free week which ran from August 18 through August 24.

The exemption period eliminated Connecticut’s 6.35 percent sales tax on all clothing and footwear costing less than $300 per item.

While we all can appreciate the temporary break in taxation, sales tax free week is limited in its scope.

As a parent who has experienced the current law’s limitations firsthand, I want to improve it.

For example, when families do their back-to-school shopping, they often buy more than just clothes and shoes. Among the items purchased are also:

• Backpacks
• Books
• Computers
• Printers
• Laptops
• Office and art supplies
• Lunch boxes
• Furniture and equipment for college-aged students’ dormitory rooms.

Sales Tax Free Week is a great idea, but we can make a great idea even better if we expand the types of items that are covered by the tax exemption. At the State Capitol, I plan to propose a bill that will extend the exemption beyond what is currently law to include items in the list above.

In times like these, when it seems taxes keep going up and up and up, any tax relief is welcome. In fact, we need a lot more of that relief. Expanding the definition of items covered by the exemption will allow more families to benefit from the tax break while helping boost back-to-school sales at our local businesses.

I’d like to hear from you on this subject. What other items would you like to see covered under sales tax free week? You can help me write this legislation.

At the State Capitol, I’ll keep pushing for tax relief in all its forms. I believe that our high income, gas, sales, business and property taxes serve to make our state less competitive and drive residents and jobs out of state. I’ll be on the lookout for your thoughts and ideas on this or any issue related to state government. Contact me at any time by calling 800 842 1421 or at [email protected]