Sales Tax Free Week Returns, School Bus Safety Reminders

Hartford — With inflation causing prices to rise, we are paying more for everything from food and fuel to clothing. Saving money is more important than ever, especially with school only a few weeks away. I want to remind you to take advantage of the upcoming “Sales Tax Free Week” on clothing and shoes, from Sunday, August 20 through Saturday, August 26.

Now is a great time to save on back-to-school wear, both in stores and online.

This one-week event eliminates Connecticut’s 6.35% sales tax on most clothing and footwear costing less than $100 per item. Since sales tax is calculated after the use of any coupons or discounts, if the final price per item is less than $100, the sale is exempt from taxes. This also applies to items placed on layaway.

Goods NOT covered under the program include, but are not limited to: clothing or footwear specifically designed for athletic activities (football cleats, specialty boots for fishing, hiking, skiing and other activities, as well as wet suits, helmets and headbands, etc.), and accessories like jewelry, handbags, luggage, umbrellas, wallets, watches, etc.

Here’s a list of qualifying and non-qualifying items.

I also want to share some back-to-school safety reminders.

With children soon waiting on the side of a street for the bus or walking to school, it’s important to be careful on our public roadways. When school is in session, drivers should use extra caution, especially near bus stops, schools, playgrounds, and athletic fields.

Safety tips for drivers:

• State law prohibits passing a school bus with its lights flashing. Some school buses are equipped with cameras to record passing drivers.
• Observe the no-passing law and expect the unexpected when traveling near school buses in school driveways.
• Watch for children, especially when driving in neighborhoods with school zones.
• Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood.

Safety tips for parents and children:

• Be waiting at your bus stop 5 minutes ahead of the scheduled pick up.
• Wait 10 feet back from the road and wear visible clothing.
• Always wait for the bus driver’s head nod before boarding the bus or crossing the street. They’re watching out for you!
• Avoid distracting the bus driver for anything other than an emergency.

I hope this information is helpful and I wish you all a safe and successful school year!