For Immediate Release                                                                                     Contact: Luke Byars

August 9, 2000                                                                                                  (803) 734-2080

(Columbia)—Today, Lieutenant Governor Bob Peeler and Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives David Wilkins proposed expanding the existing State Sales Tax Holiday from one weekend to four consecutive weekends in August, beginning in 2001.

"The numbers are not all in yet, but one thing is already certain -- South Carolina families love tax-free weekends," said Peeler.

"Last week’s tax-free weekend was a big hit, and our plan will only add to its popularity. After all, cutting taxes for South Carolina families is always a good idea," said Speaker Wilkins.

House and Senate Republicans will introduce legislation this year to create a month of sales tax-free weekends starting in August of 2001. Four tax-free weekends will give parents more flexibility to prepare for their children’s futures and allow retailers to more effectively serve their customers.

"Many businesses were not prepared for the major influx of customers and unfortunately many important big-ticket items, such as home computers, ran out quickly. With four tax-free weekends, everyone wins." said Wilkins.

The fiscal impact on this year’s tax-free weekend was $4.5 million. It is projected that expanding the break to four weekends in August will result in an $18 to $20 million impact.

Peeler concluded, "In a nearly seven billion dollar budget, that’s not a lot to ask for the future of our children."

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