Sales Tax-Free Week Is Expanding & Improving Bus Safety

August 13, 2026

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Sales Tax Free Week
  • Investing in Safer CTfastrak
  • Building Stronger Ties
    with Taiwan
  • Launch a Career
    Helping Students
 

Sales Tax Free Week
Connecticut Sales Tax Free Week returns Sunday, August 16 through Saturday, August 22, giving families and shoppers a chance to save money on back-to-school supplies and other everyday essentials.

During Sales Tax Free Week, eligible clothing, footwear, and backpacks purchased from Connecticut retailers and participating online retailers are exempt from the state's 6.35% sales tax.

This year, my colleagues and I expanded the tax exemption to include clothing, shoes, and backpacks priced under $300, helping families stretch their budgets as students prepare to head back to the classroom. 

We have also permanently removed the sales tax on non-electronic school supplies such as pens, pencils, crayons, notebooks, paper, folders, binders, lunch boxes, and more.

Some items are not eligible for the exemption, including:

  • Specialized athletic or protective clothing and footwear
  • Jewelry, handbags, purses, umbrellas
  • Wallets, waders, and wetsuits

Click here to view the complete list of tax-exempt and taxable items.

Whether you're shopping for your children or picking up something for yourself, I hope you take advantage of these savings and keep a little more of your hard-earned money as you prepare for the new school year.
Learn more about Sales Tax Free Week
 

Investing in Safer CTfastrak

The state is working on a series of upgrades to boost safety and create a better environment across the CTfastrak system. Some of the new measures include:

  • Expanding security coverage with more officers on every shift
  • Increasing high-visibility patrols utilizing real-time camera access
  • Banning repeat offenders from CTtransit and CTfastrak property

These improvements are aimed at giving every commuter and bus driver greater confidence and peace of mind.
Click here to learn more
 

Building Stronger Ties with Taiwan

I was honored to join a multi-state delegation in Taipei to strengthen the enduring partnership between the United States and Taiwan.

Our meetings with Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other leaders provided an opportunity for meaningful dialogue on improving U.S.–Taiwan relations, expanding economic partnerships, advancing education initiatives, and sharing best practices that can benefit both of our nations.
As chair of the bipartisan delegation, I was impressed by Taiwan’s leadership and ingenuity in several fields including artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, energy efficiency, decarbonization, and semiconductor production. Learning for Taiwanese success provides valuable insight into how we can strengthen Connecticut’s economy, create new jobs, and help maintain America’s global competitiveness.

I am grateful for Taiwan’s warm hospitality and for the opportunity to learn from its leadership and entrepreneurs. Strong international relationships built on collaboration, innovation, and our shared commitment to democracy are essential to building a stronger future for Connecticut and the United States.
 

Launch a Career Helping Students

The state is offering a new, six-week program to provide aspiring paraeducators with exam preparation, mentorship, and a pathway into Connecticut’s special education workforce.

Registration is open for Connecticut’s New Paraeducator Preparation Academy, with the inaugural pilot session beginning on August 17 and running through September 23.

The program will be held at the Leaders for Educational Advocacy and Diversity (LEAD) Center in East Hartford. Instruction will be provided by certified bilingual educators, covering the full cost of study materials and the exam, and offering Spanish-language support.

The academy will connect participants who successfully complete the program and pass the ParaPathways assessment with districts seeking to hire paraeducators. Once employed, participants are paired with experienced mentor paraeducators as they begin their careers.

CLICK HERE to visit the Paraeducator Preparation Academy webpage and register.