Effective October 1, the state’s 4 percent sales tax exemption on clothing and footwear under $110 will be temporarily suspended for 6 months. On April 1, 2011, the exemption will be phased back in for on clothing and footwear under $55 for 1 year. On April 1, 2012, the exemption will be completely restored on all clothing and footwear under $110.

I opposed and voted against lifting the sales tax exemption in the state budget. The state sales tax on clothing and footwear is a regressive tax that puts border communities like ours at a competitive disadvantage to Pennsylvania. I will work to ensure that the sales tax on clothing is eliminated as planned and not delayed.