County Executive Marc Elrich held his weekly press conference on Tuesday, focusing on Tax-Free Maryland Week.

Elrich postponed the virtual meeting until Tuesday and invited Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman as a special guest as he will attend the Maryland Association of Counties summer conference, which begins Wednesday.

Elrich and Lierman explained the benefits of the tax-free initiative, which eliminates the 6% sales tax on clothing and shoes under $100 and backpacks up to $40. The tax holiday began on August 11 and lasts until August 17. It applies to both in-store and online purchases.

This temporary tax break is intended to ease financial pressure on families preparing for the new school year. Lierman pointed out that rising inflation will result in families having to spend $875 on clothing, electronics and school supplies for their children from elementary through high school.

The initiative is expected to cost the state about $6.5 million, leaving that amount in buyers’ pockets.

Lierman also spoke about ongoing efforts to modernize the Office of the Comptroller to increase government efficiency.

Watch the full meeting, which County Cable Montgomery streamed live:

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Tax-free week in Maryland begins August 11