Sales tax holiday may not happen this year

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By Brooke Kelley - bio | email

SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) - Many wait until August for the big tax-free weekend in Georgia to make those big back-to-school purchases.

But Georgia lawmakers are thinking about getting rid of the holiday in order to save millions of dollars in state revenue.

We spoke to parents who say getting rid of the sales tax holiday would hurt more than it helps.

Grandparents like Gwen Mciver says she is always looking for a bargain. She is like many who wait all year for August's big tax-free weekend to buy school supplies.

She says it's a great way to save money.

"It helps out with my granddaughter when she get back to school, the more breaks we get the better," said Mciver, adding the stores benefit too. "It's good for the economy."

She is like many who say getting rid of the tax-free weekend isn't a good idea.

"It creates an opportunity for everyone, regardless of financial status, to have the opportunity to get last minute supplies or at least one weekend they can get everything without worrying about how much sales tax is on these uniforms, on these shoes, on these socks or book bags," said Shanique Griffiths.

Savannah-Chatham School District superintendent Dr. Thomas Lockamy, says he understands where state legislatures are coming from but also says there are many teachers, parents and students who rely on the tax-free weekend.

"There a positive as far as tax collection and helping the budget and on the negative side which I have strong feelings for, it does impact our families and our teachers in a big way," said Lockamy. "That's when they buy supplies as they prepare for school."

Lawmakers say this could save nearly $12 million but shoppers argue the tax-free weekend gets more people spending and feeding the economy.

"Anytime the consumers can get a break, we need a break," said Mciver.

That's why they say solving the state's budget woes shouldn't create one for them.

State legislatures are also thinking about chopping energy saving appliances tax breaks which would save close to half a million dollars.