Say YES to tax break on school supplies

Sign my petition urging the State Legislature to pass my bill (S.3442) exempting school supplies from the 4% state sales and use tax during a one-week period preceding Labor Day.

According to the National Retail Federation, families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $874.68 on clothing, shoes, school supplies and electronics. This is about $15 less than last year’s record of $890.07 but is the second-highest amount in the survey’s history.  Total back-to-school spending is expected to reach $38.8 billion, also the second-highest figure on record, after last year’s high of $41.5 billion.

“Families across New York continue to pay higher prices, whether at the gas pump or the grocery store. Family budgets get squeezed even tighter during back-to-school season. Average spending on electronics and school supplies alone is upwards of $450. Let’s be smart – provide some tax relief and support our students, parents and teachers,” said Senator Helming.

Currently in New York, clothing and footwear under $110 are exempt from the state 4% sales and use tax. Senator Helming’s bill would extend this tax exemption to school supplies for one week to give families some additional relief.