House OKs sales tax break for back to school shopping

SPRINGFIELD - Back-to-school shopping could get a little cheaper under a measure the Illinois House approved Thursday.

The legislation, which was approved 65-51, would decrease the state sales tax from 6.25 percent to 1.25 percent from Aug. 6 through Aug. 15. The "sales tax holiday" would apply to clothes, school supplies and computer accessories such as flash drives.

"This would give (families) some help," said state Rep. Keith Farnham, an Elgin Democrat who sponsored the proposal.

Many Republicans said they have supported similar proposals in the past, but not this time because the so-called "holiday" would take away dwindling state tax dollars.

"This is not a time for tax breaks," said state Rep. Bill Black, a Danville Republican. He estimated the loss in state revenue at upwards of $50 million.

Meanwhile, Gov. Pat Quinn renewed his support for the "sales tax holiday" this week, saying it would benefit struggling families.

"I think that's something we can really do to help our economy in Illinois, to help our stores and help our consumers," Quinn told reporters, following a speech to business leaders Wednesday.

His GOP opponent in the governor's race - Bloomington state Sen. Bill Brady - called the proposal "typical populist Pat Quinn rhetoric." He called for an overall tax reduction.

The proposal now heads to the Senate for consideration.