Milford Lawmakers Call for Repeal of Sales Tax on Face Masks

Milford Lawmakers Call for Repeal of Sales Tax on Face Masks

HARTFORD- With talk the legislature could reconvene in September for Special Session, State Rep. Kathy Kennedy (R-119) and Charles Ferraro (R-117) are calling for the outright repeal of the state sales tax on face masks and other personal protection products, like face shields and latex/rubber gloves, particularly in light of the governor calling on all state residents to wear face masks in public places to curb the spread of the Coronavirus.

Rep. Kennedy said, “Taxing safety apparel, like face masks, is offensive to me and my constituents. Milford and Orange residents have been strongly encouraged and, in some instances, mandated to wear masks to combat COVID and they should not be taxed to buy a mask that literally saves lives.”

“During this COVID 19 epidemic my constituents have been exposed to many challenging forms of adversity.  Many are not working, are on furlough and are struggling to pay essential bills,” said Rep. Ferraro. “Repealing the added burden of having to pay tax on safety apparel that has been mandated is a small gesture of support to our residents who are trying to get through this very difficult time.”

In 2019, both Reps. Kennedy and Ferraro voted against a final state budget document proposed by legislative Democrats and Governor Lamont, which included several new tax increases ($1.75 Billion in total over the two-year budget) including the repeal of the tax-exemption of safety apparel that subjected many pieces of safety gear to state sales tax.

This means that mandated face masks, which clearly fall under the definition of ‘safety apparel’, are now subject to state sales tax. Here is the list of “safety apparel” – which includes face masks, face shields and gloves.