'Back to School' tax holiday passes Senate

ALBANY, NY - A bill that would nearly halve the sales tax in Putnam County over a 10 day period in August sponsored by Senator Terrence Murphy passed the State Senate this week. The legislation, which was requested by the Putnam County government, would mean shoppers enjoy a reduced sales tax in the county from 8.38 percent to 4.38 percent for clothing and footwear under $110 from August 16th to August 25th.

"Providing shoppers with a back-to-school time tax holiday will not only give parents a break, it will bring consumers to local businesses in Putnam County," Senator Murphy said. "It is important to shop local year-round, and tax holidays in other states are proven to give retailers a boost in sales. This legislation will benefit all shoppers as well as our many top notch local retailers in Putnam County."

Earlier this year, the Putnam County Legislature passed a home rule request signed by County Executive MaryEllen Odell, requesting enactment of the measure in Albany.

"I am grateful that Senator Terrence Murphy and Senator Sue Serino advocated on behalf of Putnam County for the 10-day reprieve of the county's portion of sales tax during the back-to-school season," County Executive Odell said. "The sales tax holiday would encourage more spending within the county on items such as clothing and shoes. With their help, we were able to have the bill pass the State Senate. I hope that the Assembly and the Governor show that they appreciate the importance of home rule by permitting a county to save its residents money within its borders. They would do the people of Putnam a great service by following the lead of the state Senate and passing the legislation."

The sales tax rate is generally set at four percent for the state, with the rest being a local share between a county and its municipalities. This bill would eliminate the local share during the weeklong period. After passing unanimously through the Senate, the bill now heads to the Assembly.