State Senator Pam Helming is calling on fellow legislators to support her bill exempting school supplies from state sales tax.
The tax break would eliminate the 4% sales and use tax on back-to-school items, including costly technology like computers and software, for a one-week period before Labor Day.
Survey found parents plan to spend over $650 on school supplies this season
Inflation is up 9.1% compared to last year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In a release, Helming cites a Deloitte survey that found parents plan to spend approximately $661 this back-to-school season, an 8% increase from last year.
Earlier this week, the state Senate Republican Conference released a report on inflation, which recommends $200 million in targeted tax relief and further reducing the cost burden on child care, among other suggestions.
Related: State Senate GOP releases inflation report
Bill would suspend sales tax on computers, software and other supplies for one-week period
The bill (S.2583) sponsored by Helming would suspend sales tax on computer hardware, software equipment and school supplies starting on Tuesday, August 30 and lasting until Labor Day, Monday, September 5.
“With record-high inflation, and family budgets already being squeezed by higher prices, we must take action to provide some relief to taxpayers,” said Sen. Helming, according to a Thursday, August 4 release.
“Technology is advancing education. For many students, notebooks are now Chromebooks and pencils are now styluses. Middle and high school students need calculators and other electronics. These are essential tools for learning, yet they are often costly. My bill will save parents money, whether they need traditional or more modern school supplies. And it will help teachers, who often purchase many classroom supplies with their own money.”
Currently, clothing and footwear under $110 are exempt from the New York State 4% sales and use tax.
Sen. Helming’s bill to extend this tax exemption to school supplies is currently in committee.