Updates from State Rep. Tammy Exum

August 21, 2023
Dear Neighbor,

Summer is winding down and back-to-school preparations are well underway, I want to share news and events that will ease that transition for the upcoming school year.

Please see below for updates on: 

  • Sales Tax Free Week
  • Expansion of Free School Meals Program
  • Investments in Education
  • Nurturing Youth Mental Health
Sales Tax Free Week

Connecticut's 2023 Sales Tax Free Week runs through Saturday, and this is a great opportunity to take the kids back-to-school shopping or to treat yourself or your loved ones while saving money.

Many retailers in Connecticut offer 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.
You can find more information at portal.ct.gov/drs/sales-tax/sales-tax-free-week.
Expansion of Free School Meals Program
Hunger, and the stigma of not being able to afford school meals, is one of the biggest hurdles to learning. That is why I was pleased to attend the recent press conference with Governor Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker, where they 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.
Free School Meals Program
Investments in Education
We made historic investments in education during the 2023 Legislative Session with millions of additional dollars allocated in the budget and a number of measures that enhance Connecticut’s educational system.

Click the button below for more information:
2023 Acts Affecting Education
I will continue to support education as one of the most cost-effective investments we can make for the future of our state.
Nurturing Youth Mental Health
Attention students and parents! West Hartford Public Schools and Community of Concern will partner to present to a year-long series of virtual and in-person events tailored to promote and support mental health and wellness for middle and high school students. Parents and students can gain valuable tools and strategies from middle and high school educators for the transition back to school and throughout the year. All registrants will be sent the recording and resources. Register at https://tinyurl.com/5n8bdf3a.