State Sales Tax Free Week

Dear friends, The sales tax free week is coming up!  This year, Connecticut shoppers will have one week to buy items of clothing and footwear costing under $300 without paying Connecticut sales tax from Sunday, August 21 through Saturday, August 27, 2011. Did you know we almost didn’t have a sales tax free week this year? As a father of school children, I know how the back to school expenses can add up. Prior to July 1st, when the state budget went into effect, clothing and footwear under $50 enjoyed a year-round exemption from the sales tax. This small tax exemption is particularly beneficial to middle-class and poor families who have children or teenagers in school. Unfortunately, in order to fill government spending holes, those in charge in Hartford took away this exemption and made it effective right before the start of a new school year! They also planned on eliminating this celebrated sales-tax holiday meant to provide families a little relief with all the back-to-school bills, but due to much public outcry and strong opposition, we were able to at least keep the sales tax free week. I opposed the new taxes and the elimination of the sales tax free week and instead fought for government efficiency rather than directly targeting middle-class families to pay more even though government is completely capable of spending less. From a policy standpoint, this much celebrated sales-tax free week also has the effect of boosting consumer confidence and spurring sales, which helps businesses keep jobs and grows our economy. All around, this sales tax free week is a week to be enjoyed by all. More information about the rules that apply to the sales tax free week are found in: •  One-Week Sales and Use Tax Exclusion in August for Clothing and Footwear Under $300 Sincerely, Vincent J. Candelora State Representative East Haven, North Branford and Wallingford