Dupage Policy Journal

Illinois State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro is advocating for a proposal to exempt school supplies from sales taxes. In a Facebook post on February 3, she described it as "a simple but impactful way to support families and students across Illinois."

"Back-to-school shopping can be a major expense for families, especially with the rising costs we see today," said Sanalitro, according to Facebook. "This bill provides meaningful relief to parents and helps ensure students are equipped with the resources they need to thrive in the classroom. This is a simple but impactful way to support families and students across Illinois. Our children are the future, and this bill is a step toward making education more affordable for all."

According to the post, House Bill 1905 was filed by Sanalitro on January 29. The bill proposes a sales tax holiday during the first seven days of August each year, amending the Use Tax Act, Retailers Occupation Tax Act, and the State Finance Act. The holiday would commence immediately upon passage. The bill broadly defines "school supplies," including items such as binders, book bags, calculators, composition books, crayons, erasers, folders (expandable, pocket, plastic, or manila), lunch boxes, loose-leaf notebook paper, index cards, glue, paste, scissors, and specific art supplies like clay, glazes, paints, and sketch pads. Representative Tony McCombie co-sponsored the bill.

Screenshot of State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro's Feb. 3 Facebook post | State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro's Facebook page

In recent years of 2023 and 2024, no sales tax holidays occurred in Illinois. The last one took place in 2022 when the sales tax rate was reduced from 6.25% to 1.25% from August 5-14. Other states such as Missouri, Ohio, Texas, Iowa, and Florida also held similar sales tax holidays. A survey from the National Retail Federation indicated that families with elementary through high school-aged children planned to spend an average of $874.68 on supplies.

Illinois offers an Education Expense Credit allowing parents or guardians of full-time students under 21 to claim a tax credit for expenses exceeding $250 on qualified education costs.

Sanalitro has resided in Illinois for most of her adult life and currently represents District 48 in the Illinois General Assembly. Before her legislative career began she worked as a District Sales Training Manager for a packaging company and now holds an executive sales position. She has extensive experience with both large and small businesses. Additionally she volunteers in local schools reading to elementary students and supports Brittany’s Trees benefiting the SADS Foundation which focuses on children with hereditary heart rhythm disorders.