BINGHAMTON, NY - Broome County Executive Barbara J. Fiala announces "Sales Tax Free Week" at a news conference held at the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City, Monday August 29. The temporary sales and use tax exemption of clothing and footwear begins Tuesday, August 30th and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 5th. New York State is lifting its 4% sales tax on exempted items and Broome County has opted to lift its 4% during the same week.

"Many families are shopping to buy items for their children as they head back to school and we feel it is important to give them a bit of a break," said Barbara J. Fiala, Broome County Executive. "Lifting the sales tax during this week also encourages people to shop locally and not travel out of the area. That gives a tremendous boost to our local retailers and our local economy."

Executive Fiala was joined by retail representative, Wesley Bollman, Sears Department Store Manager. Bollman says his store looks forward to this week because it does mean a boost in business and he does like the idea of giving the "back to school" shoppers, as well as everyone else, a break in these tough economic times.

Also at Monday's news conference, Connie Gault, of Gault Auto in Endicott, talked about a school supply drive for young kids in need. Gault asked shoppers to pick up a few extra items while they are out "back to school" shopping and drop them in the barrels located at the Oakdale Mall. The supplies will be distributed to children in need in our community.