The Erie County Legislature asked New York State to grant Erie County the opportunity to conduct three sales tax exemption weeks on clothing and footwear during fiscal year 2004-2005 at its session March 4.

     "The Legislature unanimously approved a resolution requesting that New York State reinstitute its sales tax exemption on clothing and footwear and allow the county to offer three sales tax free weeks," Legislature Chairman George A. Holt, Jr. (D-Buffalo) said.

     "In the past, these sales tax holidays have been very successful, benefiting both consumers and businesses in Erie County," said Legislature Majority Leader Lynn M. Marinelli (D-Tonawanda, Buffalo).

     Over the last year, Erie County participated in two sales tax exemption weeks, August 25, 2003-September 1, 2003, and January 26, 2004-February 1, 2004, and still collected about 8 percent more sales tax in August 2003 compared to August 2002 and about 6 percent more sales tax in January 2004 than in January 2003.

     "The sales tax exemption on sales of clothing and footwear less than $110, make Erie County competitive with other areas and boosts our local economy," Legislator Edward Kuwik (D-Blasdell) said.

     "Scheduled exemptions give businesses and customers the ability to plan ahead and make the most of these tax free weeks." Legislator Mark J.F. Schroeder (D-Buffalo, Cheektowaga) said.

     "Continuing state economic uncertainty makes the potential for a permanent tax exemption less likely," said Legislator Albert DeBenedetti (D-Buffalo), Chairman of the Legislature's Finance & Management Committee. "At a minimum, the tax-free weeks provide temporary relief to local residents."

     "This temporary exemption provides much needed tax breaks to the hard-working families in Buffalo and Western New York," Legislator Timothy M. Wroblewski (D-West Seneca, South Cheektowaga) said.

     "Residents utilize this sales tax exemption for many reasons," Legislator Raymond K. Dusza (D-Cheektowaga, Depew) said. "The tax free weeks have been timed to help those families dressing their children for school and stocking up on coats and warmer clothing for the winter months."

     "Every resident of Erie County can benefit from this legislation, from business owners and workers to those in need of buying new clothes and footwear," Legislator Demone Smith (D-Buffalo) said.

     New York State has the final say in offering counties the opportunity to opt into sales tax free weeks. Erie County expects the State will make that decision through its annual budget deliberation process.

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