Rep. Schmaltz working to make back-to-school shopping more affordable

Parents and teachers need a break and could be saving money this weekend

State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz this week renewed her call for the Legislature to take action to ease the burden on parents stocking up on school supplies for the upcoming school year.

Schmaltz, R-Jackson, co-sponsored legislation to establish an annual sales tax holiday on back-to-school products during the third weekend of August, but it has yet to receive a hearing in the House.

“With inflation still hitting families hard, the cost of preparing our kids for school has become overwhelming for many parents,” Schmaltz said. “The beginning of a new school year should be filled with excitement and promise — not stress over whether parents can afford basic supplies. Our plan would give hard-working Michigan families a break when they need it most.”

House Bills 5805 and 5809 would waive the state’s 6% sales tax on a wide range of school-related items, including clothing, computers, and other essential supplies. Similar tax holidays have been successfully implemented in other states, offering families much-needed financial relief during one of the most expensive times of the year.

“With the cost of everything from groceries to gas going through the roof, I know people are struggling keep up,” Schmaltz said. “A sales tax holiday is a common-sense solution that would put money back in the pockets of hardworking Michigan families. It’s time to put politics aside and do what’s right. Let’s get this bill passed and give parents the relief they desperately need.”

Making life more affordable for Michigan families is a top priority for Schmaltz. She has also sponsored legislation to lower the income tax, increase access to affordable childcare, make home ownership more affordable and establish tax credits for seniors who make necessary improvements to age in their own homes.

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