August Events

NEWS RELEASE    ---     From the Office of Representative Shelley Keeney - 156^th District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:	CONTACT:    Rep. Shelley Keeney
July 22, 2011	(573) 751-5912

 August Events

The upcoming Missouri “state sales tax” holiday is August 5-7.  The state sales tax exemption (currently at 4.225%) passed in 2003 only applies to certain purchases -- items normally thought of as school supplies.  It was initially passed into law as a way to assist families with the cost of outfitting their children returning to school.

Especially with larger purchases such as computers; families and students can begin to plan what they need to buy for school and then save when they make qualified purchases during the August holiday period.

The exemption may also apply to “local” sales taxes when a local city or county jurisdiction chooses to participate in the holiday.  Local jurisdictions can choose to not participate in the holiday if they enact an ordinance to not participate and notify the Missouri Department of Revenue 45 days prior to the sales tax holiday. 

Due to the downturn in the economy, only a few cities and counties in the local area are participating as the decreased sales taxes could affect their usual services.  A total of 169 cities, 50 counties and 62 special districts have opted out of the holiday provision.  A complete list of these is available at:  http://dor.mo.gov/business/sales/taxholiday/school/  Go to salesuse@dor.mo.gov for more information or if you have questions, by calling (573) 751-2836.

The sales tax exemption, as defined by Section 144.049, RSMo, is limited to:

·       Clothing / footwear – any article having a taxable value of $100 or less

·       School supplies – not to exceed $50 per purchase

·       Computer software – taxable value of $350 or less

·       Personal computers – not to exceed $3,500

·       Computer peripheral devices – not to exceed $3,500

I hope you are making plans to attend the dedication in Fredericktown on the morning of August 6 for the expansion of the A. Paul Vance Fredericktown Airport.  A lot of work has gone into this expansion project and it will definitely better serve the community.

Another Fredericktown event to watch for in October is the full scale re-enactment to commemorate the 150^th anniversary of the Battle of Fredericktown during the Civil War.

August always brings us the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia as well.  It begins on Thursday, August 11 and runs through Sunday, the 21st.  From top-notch entertainment, to sanctioned championship tractor pulls, to the “Big Foot” monster truck show and modified, late model and sprint car races, to all types of agricultural products and livestock judging including local 4-H entries; there is just about something for everyone.  And, of course, there is also the big carnival area for those who like the rides.  For more detailed information on admission, discounts and the daily schedule, the fair’s website is: http://www.mostatefair.com/

Please let me know if you would like to receive my weekly updates via electronic E-Mail, by sending an email with your name to: Shelley.Keeney@house.mo.gov

As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns about state government.  Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-5912.  You may write me at: Shelley Keeney; Missouri House of Representatives; State Capitol -- Room 313; 201 W. Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, MO 65101-6806 or email me.