COLUMBUS—State Rep. Keith Faber, R-Celina, has applauded the passage of Senate Bill 9 by the Ohio House of Representatives, which would create a sales tax holiday during the first weekend of August 2017.

Senate Bill 9 would establish Ohio’s third annual sales tax holiday to be held Aug. 4, 5 and 6 of this year. The legislation exempts the purchase of clothing, school supplies, and instructional materials from the sales and use tax during this weekend. Items of clothing are given a limit of up to $75 each while school supplies and materials have a limit of $20 each.

“I am always supportive of initiatives that allow Ohioans to keep more of their hard earned dollars in their own pockets,” said Faber. “Ohioans have expressed their appreciation for the sales tax holiday as it alleviates the financial burden some families face with back to school expenses. I am glad we can continue to offer this relief.”

Ohio’s sales tax holiday falls during the peak of back-to-school shopping, helping families save money on certain purchases to get their children started off on the right foot at the beginning of the school year. According to the Economics Center of the University of Cincinnati, consumers saved approximately $3.3 million in taxes during the 2015 sales tax holiday. Additionally, overall retail sales in Ohio increased by over six percent during August 2015, helping to contribute to the state’s economy.

Senate Bill 9, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Bacon, R-Minerva Park, passed the floor with bipartisan support.