MADISON, WI – New reporting from Spectrum News 1 highlights Representative Jenna Jacobson and Senator Brad Pfaff’s Back-to-School Tax Holiday bill. The legislators are redoubling their efforts to lower the cost of everyday goods, identifying the nearly $43 billion expected to be spent during the back-to-school season as an opportunity to deliver tangible relief to families across Wisconsin.

Read more on Rep. Jenna Jacobson and Senator Brad Pfaff’s efforts to lower the cost of school supplies and clothing with back-to-school tax holiday:

Spectrum News 1: State Democrats trying to revive back-to-school sales tax holiday plan

  • “According to the National Retail Federation, total K-12 back-to-school spending is expected to top $43B this year.”
  • “State Sen. Brad Pfaff, D-Onalaska, said he’s heard from several of his constituents about how costly it is to get their kids ready for school.”
  • “‘We’re trying to do what we can in order to make sure that we lower costs for working families in Wisconsin, and one of the costs right now is buying school supplies,’ Pfaff said.”
  • “‘Whether it’s back to school supplies like notebooks and pencils, or clothes, because as we know kids grow over the summer, that can be a really big expense for families,’ Jacobson said.”
  • “During the first weekend in August, clothes under $150 and school supplies under $100 would be exempt from the sales and use tax.”
  • “The bill was referred to both the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Revenue and the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means, but never received a hearing.”
  • “‘I can tell you my inbox has not received an email to have that meeting, so if Rep. Penterman would like to talk, I’m happy to take that call,’ Jacobson said.”
  • “‘There’s a lot of talk from our Republican colleagues about affordability, but they’re not doing an awful lot,’ Pfaff said.”
  • “Both Democrats are hoping the bill can gain traction next session when new legislative leadership will be in place.”