Food Free School Lunch, Sales Tax Free Week, and Investments in Education

August 11, 2023


It’s that time where we start winding down the summer and begin back-to-school preparations. I want to share news and events that will ease the transition for the upcoming school year.
Click on any of the links below to jump to that section of the email:
 
Expansion of Free School Meal Program
Hunger and the stigma of not being able to afford school meals is one of the biggest hurdles to learning. 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.

We must ensure that our students are eating healthy food at school. Please watch the video below as I talk about the need to introduce quality meals from a young age in Hartford and West Hartford.
We must introduce nutritious food to students at our schools.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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. Click below for more information.
New Laws 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.