Sales Tax-Free Week, Phones in Schools, and National Night Out

August 14, 2024

You have a big opportunity to save on back-to-school supplies because Sales Tax-Free Week is just around the corner. Please keep scrolling to find out when you can stretch your dollar when you are shopping.

The first day of school is less than three weeks away. The governors of Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey spoke in a joint interview about smartphone use in schools. Read below to find out what they had to say.

Police and members of the community came together for National Night Out. I'll explain how this events fosters a sense of community.

These are the sections in today's email:

  • Sales Tax-Free Week is August 18-24
  • Smartphones in Schools
  • National Night Out
 
Sales Tax-Free Week is August 18-24

Connecticut's annual Sales Tax-Free Week begins on Sunday, August 18 and runs through Saturday, August 24. It provides a chance to save money, whether it is taking the kids back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones.

Retailers throughout the state offer additional discounts on clothing and footwear during Sales Tax-Free Week, providing consumers with even more ways to stretch their spending power.

During this tax holiday, most clothing and footwear items priced less than $100 are exempt from Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax. The exemption applies to each eligible item costing less than $100 regardless of how many of those items are sold to a customer in the same transaction. It applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone.
Shop smart and locally whenever possible to support small businesses and to save during Connecticut’s Sales Tax-Free Week!
Exempt and Taxable Items During Sales Tax-Free Week
 
Smartphones in Schools
All three Tri-State governors came together recently to discuss how smartphones and social media are affecting our students in schools.  Governor Ned Lamont of Connecticut, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York, and Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey all want smartphones out of our children’s hands in the classroom. The devices can be a huge distraction and have negative effects on mental health.
While New York’s governor is debating a cellphone ban in schools, Governor Lamont is allowing individual districts to make their own decisions on this issue. In an interview with NBC 4 in New York City, Lamont said he is encouraging superintendents to get phones out of the classroom. He plans to unveil a new policy for student phone use in schools in a few weeks. I will keep you posted.
 
Most students at Hartford Public Schools return to the classroom on Tuesday, August 27. The first day of class in West Hartford is on Wednesday, August 28.
 
National Night Out
It was a joy to attend and celebrate National Night Out as neighbors connected with law enforcement. It was a great opportunity for police and firefighters to build relationships with families in the community in a relaxed environment. Kids and adults enjoyed free food and fun activities at Goodwin Park. This family-friendly event helps build a stronger sense of community spirit.
Thank you to everyone who participated in National Night Out in Hartford. I was especially impressed by a woman on stilts and a local drumline's awesome beat! These events contribute to better and safer neighborhoods for both those who live there as well as those who serve and protect them every single day.
Click here to see more pictures from National Night Out!