DeLaRosa Highlights Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Results, Returning $11.4M to Illinoisans

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Working to cut costs for Illinois families and educators statewide, state Rep. Margaret DeLaRosa, D-Lomard, is highlighting $11.4 million in savings returned to Illinoisans as part of this year’s budget-enacted Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, which reduced sales tax on items like school supplies, clothing and footwear this August.

“The Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday was an integral part of the state budget negotiations this past spring. With the price of essentials steadily climbing, we wanted to make sure to prioritize the children in our communities by setting them up for a successful year,” said DeLaRosa. “While we can’t control decisions made at the federal level or set the price of groceries, the results of the tax holiday show how we can continue to take steps toward providing real relief to Illinoisans.”

The DeLaRosa-supported Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday ran from Aug. 7 to Aug. 16, 2026, waiving the state sales tax online and in-store for Illinoisans buying classroom essentials including clothing, gym shoes and school supplies. 2,284 retailers participated. The 10-day tax holiday was initially projected to deliver $10 million in consumer savings—however, new figures from the governor’s office show that Illinoisans ultimately saved $11.4 million. 

“Nowadays, every penny counts,” said DeLaRosa. “As we approach Veto Session, affordability remains at the forefront of my mind. The families in our community work so hard, and they deserve better than these outrageous prices on everyday necessities.”

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