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Connecticut's 2023 Sales Tax Free Week begins on Sunday, August 20 and runs through Saturday, August 26. This is a good time to shop for those needed school supplies and clothing, or simply take advantage of the savings as we all work to manage our household budgets. Many retailers in Connecticut will also be offering additional discounts on clothing and footwear during Sales Tax Free Week, providing consumers with even more savings.
During this sales tax holiday, most clothing and footwear items priced under $100 are exempt from the Connecticut sales tax. The exemption during Sales Tax Free Week applies to each eligible item costing under $100, regardless of how many of those items are sold to a customer in the same transaction. The tax holiday applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone.
More information about Connecticut’s Sales Tax Holiday, including a list of exempt and taxable items, is available on the Department of Revenue Services website.
Expansion of Free School Meals Program
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| Hunger and the stigma of not being able to afford school meals is often one of the most impactful hurdles to successful learning. Students cannot focus on their learning on an empty stomach or with the stress of food insecurity. That is why I am pleased to report that Governor Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker recently announced plans to expand Connecticut’s free school meals program for the 2023-2024 school year, enabling more students to receive access to nutritious breakfast and lunch at no additional cost to them or their families.
As the current plan stands, most schools will now be able to offer free breakfast to EVERY STUDENT. This will have an incredible impact on our students and their families, knowing that our kids will start their day with a healthy, balanced meal. This program will also expand free lunches to all students who qualify for reduced meals.
Universal free school meals was a priority policy issue for me as I began as a legislator this year. Several of my colleagues and I consistently pushed for this change and are thrilled that our students will be fed during the upcoming school year. I hope that this issue will be seen as a priority during the upcoming legislative session and we can one day provide free meals for every student.
The reasons a child does not eat are complex and often go well beyond financial need. We can all continue to work together to see that the physical, mental and emotional well being of every student is a top priority here in Connecticut.
Investments in Education |
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| We made historic investments in education with millions of additional dollars allocated in the budget and a number of legislative measures that enhance Connecticut’s educational system. The approved budget brings the total Education Cost Sharing (ECS) funding to $45,682,808 in the current fiscal year, and $52,379,292 in the next fiscal year. There is also funding for adult education at $273,455 this year, and $274,971 next year. Branford is set to receive $3,454,772 in FY 24 and $4,364,442 in FY 25. Guilford will receive $1,766,084 in FY24 and 25. Click here for more information. |
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| Delivering for Higher Education |
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In addition to our K-12 advancement, we have made significant strides in supporting higher education and ensuring a brighter future with opportunities, support, and financial relief for our students.
During the 2023 legislative session, we allocated over $135 million more for higher education in our biennial state budget than initially proposed. We did this in order to support initiatives that reflect our commitment to addressing the challenges faced by students and graduates.
Some of this year's priorities include PA 23-204, which expanded our debt-free community college program to incorporate subsidies for returning students and established a student loan forgiveness program that offers up to $20,000 in debt forgiveness for individuals who meet certain criteria and volunteer at a local nonprofit.
We also streamlined the eligibility requirements for the Roberta Willis Scholarship and enabled the program to notify students of their scholarship awards earlier in the year, so they’ll have full knowledge of their financial aid before choosing which school to attend in the fall.
Additionally, we passed several other measures to support higher education, such as:
- Lower state-backed loan refinancing rates for nurses (PA 23-60)
- Prohibiting colleges and universities from withholding transcripts due to outstanding debt (PA 23-14)
- Providing student loan subsidies for paraeducators, school counselors, police officers, and EMS personnel (PA 23-70)
As someone who has dedicated much of my time and passion to education over the years, I will always work to support education at all levels. It is one of the most important and cost-effective investments we can make for the future of our state.
As always, never hesitate to reach out with your questions, concerns or input. I am here to support you as both your State Representative and community neighbor. |
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