To me, one of the most remarkable characteristics of the citizens of our state is their drive to work hard and provide for their families. In my time as Speaker, as I’ve traveled the state and met hundreds of everyday Ohioans, this theme is consistent. People just want to work hard at a fulfilling job and come home to put food on the table for their loved ones. Keeping this in mind, we’ve worked hard at the state level to encourage policies that make it easier for you to live your life and achieve your goals.

That’s why for the third year in a row we’ve passed legislation that enacts a sales tax holiday during the peak of back-to-school shopping. Next weekend, August 4th through August 6th, the clothes and supplies your children need to start the school year successfully will be exempt from the sales and use tax. We’re all aware of the extra expenses incurred when your child receives his or her classroom supply list, calculating just how much the folders, paper, and book bags will cost.

Specifically, the sales tax exemption includes items of clothing up to $75 each and school supplies or instructional materials up to $20 each. From new tennis shoes to a pack of freshly sharpened colored pencils, your child will be set for the year, and you’ll be able to keep a little more money in your pockets. This measure is an easy way to provide parents with some tax relief during a busy period of spending.

Not only does the sales tax holiday give families this temporary tax break, but it also helps to stimulate economic activity for retailers in Ohio. With the appeal of the sales tax holiday, many consumers will do other shopping while out that weekend, contributing to the state’s overall economy. Additionally, according to research done on previous sales tax holidays, in 2015 Ohio’s border counties experienced a 15.48-percent increase in sales tax collection, a result of out-of-state families traveling into Ohio to take advantage of the exemption.

Because of the success of this statewide event, I’m proud that the legislature has already approved the sales tax holiday during the same time period in 2018. Remember: the sales tax holiday will take place this year from Friday, August 4th through Sunday, August 6th. Make sure to plan your shopping trip during this weekend and save money on all of your purchases for the school year.