‘Back to school’ tax help possible

The Clarion-Ledger, 2/26/9

Legislation that gives tax breaks for back-to-school shoppers and business owners advanced at the state Capitol as a key deadline passed Wednesday.

Wednesday was the deadline for money bills to clear the chambers in which they originated.

In the House, lawmakers agreed to exempt sales taxes on clothing during the last weekend in July. House Bill 348 now heads to the Senate for consideration, but its future is uncertain since similar bills have died in past years.

Surrounding states have approved so-called “sales tax holidays,” and some local business owners said they’re hopeful the legislation will pass. The 2009 regular legislative session ends in April.