By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Lawmakers in the Missouri House on Tuesday gave first approval to legislation that would make permanent a three-day sales tax holiday in August.
The holiday would be on certain back-to-school items, like backpacks, clothes, and computers.
Last August, the state held a one-time sales tax holiday.
Supporters say the sales tax holiday not only helps families stocking up for the school year but also boosts sales for Missouri businesses.
But many counties and cities opted out of the sales tax holiday last year. Local officials have said the tax break hurts local governments that rely on sales tax dollars to fund vital services.
There were also some concerns over the vagueness of some items listed as being under the holiday. All clothes, for example, were tax-free, even if they weren't for back-to-school use.
The vote to make the tax holiday permanent still needs another vote in the state House before advancing.