Ramey Sponsors Bill to Nix Sales Tax on Memorial Day Weekend Purchases

     “At a time when many families might be spending less of their earned income due to an unstable changing economic climate, this is one way the state can provide an added boost to families who are struggling to keep up with rising property taxes, gasoline costs and food prices,” Ramey said.

     Items valued at $600 or less would be exempt from state sales tax during the holiday. Families who purchase an energy star efficient appliance would be eligible to receive a sales tax exemption on the first $600 spent for that appliance.

     Ramey joined a group of House Republicans to unveil this proposed bill at a press conference in Springfield. He said a sales tax holiday over the busy Memorial Day weekend would help counter the effects of the recent retail slowdown by stretching the amount of cash available to families on tight budgets.

     “A small one-time sales tax break won’t solve every family’s problems, but it might be enough to help them out in a budget-crunch situation,” Ramey said. “Other states have chosen to implement similar ideas to help its residents. I believe we could be successful in helping families this year in Illinois.”

     The sales tax holiday would run from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, May 23rd through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 26th.