Vella Introduces Measure Cutting Back-to-School Sales Taxes, Lowering the Cost-of-Living for Parents

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. —State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, introduced legislation to cut the cost of living for Illinoisans, especially those supporting children, by creating back-to-school sales tax holiday periods in August and January.

“Having to choose between paying a bill and buying their child new shoes or school supplies is a battle no parent should have to fight. A sales tax holiday is simple, we lower costs and put money back in people’s pockets,” said Vella. “This is about recognizing reality. January and August are expensive months for families. By lifting the sales tax on essential items we’re making everyday necessities more affordable.”

Vella introduced House Bill 4344, a cost-cutting measure which creates annual sales tax holiday periods for clothing, school supplies, diapers, wipes and hygiene products from Jan. 1 through Jan. 7 and Aug. 1 through Aug. 7.

This measure is a continuation of Vella’s fight for a more affordable Illinois, which also includes passing legislation lowering health insurance premiums, paving the way for reduced energy costs and expanding childcare assistance programs. 

“Parents are doing everything they can to keep up, and their state government should be doing the same to help them succeed,” said Vella. “When we talk about lowering the cost of living, it has to mean something tangible. Letting families keep more of their hard-earned money during the most expensive times of year is a commonsense step forward.”