North Cook News

As economic conditions continue to worsen, Illinois legislators are bringing attention to a program that will allow shoppers in the state to purchase school supplies at a reduced cost to ease the burden of these costs as students prepare to go back to school. 

State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) said that Illinois will be reducing the sales tax for certain items in preparation for back-to-school shopping. Lawmakers in the state have also enacted a variety of bills that are aimed at providing relief for students and their families. 

In a Facebook post, Mazzochi said, "Friday, August 5th officially starts a state sales tax rollback on school supplies. Illinois shoppers will be able to purchase school supplies for reduced costs through Aug. 14. Retailers will reduce the state sales tax to almost 1.25%, down from 6.25% for 10 days as parents, students, and teachers make their annual back-to-school supply purchases."

Items included in the bill include book bags, calculators, erasers, highlighters, lunch boxes, notebooks, pens, and pencils. It will also include some apparel items including belts, shirts, blouses, shorts, and pants. 

The sales tax reduction will be decreased from 6.25% down to 1.25% for all applicable items, a move that legislators hope will provide some relief.