Stephen Meskers

It’s that time again where we start winding down the summer and begin back-to-school preparations; I want to share news and events that will ease that transition for the upcoming school year.

See below for: 

• Sales tax-free week
• Expansion of free school meals program
• Investments in education last session

Sales Tax Free Week

Connecticut's 2023 Sales Tax Free Week begins on Sunday, August 20 and runs through Saturday, August 26. This is a great opportunity to take the kids back-to-school shopping or to treat yourself or your loved ones while saving money.
 
Former State Senator David Cappiello and I teamed up to create Connecticut's sales tax-free week nearly 20 years ago. 

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.

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

Hunger and the stigma of not being able to afford school meals is one of the biggest hurdles to learning. That is why I am pleased to report that Governor Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker 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.

Investments in Education

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. This included a $12.6 million increase in education funding to Danbury. It 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.

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I will continue to support education as one of the most cost-effective investments we can make for the future of our state.