Juan R. Candelaria

The 2026 Connecticut Sales Tax Free Week is Sunday, August 16th, through Saturday, August 22nd. This week provides a chance for families to save money, whether it is taking children back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones.

During this week, sales or purchases of certain items of clothing or footwear costing less than $300 per item are exempt from sales tax. This exemption applies to purchases made from retailers located in Connecticut as well as from online retailers. There are, however, certain items that are excluded from the scope of the Sales Tax Free Week exemption. The following items are excluded from the scope of the Sales Tax Free Week exemption:

• Any special clothing or footwear primarily designed for athletic activity or protective use that is not normally worn except when used for the athletic activity or protective use for which it was designed; and
• Jewelry, handbags, luggage, umbrellas, wallets, watches, and similar items carried on or about the human body but not worn on the body in the manner characteristic of clothing.
• Click here for a list of items that ARE EXEMPT from sales tax and a list of items STILL TAXABLE.

This legislative session, we passed a state budget to expand eligibility during Sales Tax Free Week, making this the first year for Sales Tax Free Week to include items, such as clothing, shoes, and backpacks, under $300 from $100 in previous years.

Click here for more information on Connecticut's Sales Tax Free Week and frequently asked questions.

August is Black Business Month, a time to celebrate the entrepreneurs whose innovation, hard work, and dedication strengthen our economy and enrich our community.

Supporting Black-owned businesses is a meaningful way to invest in our neighborhoods. Whether you're dining at a local restaurant, shopping at a neighborhood store, or using a local service, every purchase helps create jobs, support families, and keep dollars in our local economy.

Our state is home to a diverse and growing network of Black-owned businesses, from restaurants and retail shops to professional services, wellness providers, and more.

Click here to explore a directory of Black-owned businesses and discover a new local favorite.

Connecticut residents will soon have greater access to technology thanks to the launch of Laptop ConneCT. This program, in partnership with the Connecticut State Library, will put laptops and related accessories in the hands of the state residents who need them most.

Over 100 principal public libraries have already signed up to participate in this long-term lending system.

The Laptop ConneCT program, which will distribute Dell Pro 16 computers running Windows, aims to expand digital opportunity and connect more people to education, employment, healthcare, and essential resources.

Residents are eligible to receive a laptop if they are at least 18 years old, have a valid library card with a participating library, and participate in one of the following assistance programs:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Medicare
• HUSKY Health (Medicaid/The Children’s Health Insurance Program)

Questions about the program can be directed to DEEP.Broadband@ct.gov.