Virginia’s second “back-to-school” sales tax holiday is set for Friday, Aug. 3, through Sunday, Aug. 5. During the three-day event, customers will not be charged the 5 percent state and local retail sales tax on school supplies priced at $20 or less per item, or on articles of clothing, including footwear, costing $100 or less each.
“As a parent, I know how expensive getting ready for school can be,” said David. “I was proud to join my General Assembly colleagues last year in approving this annual holiday to lend a hand to families preparing for the upcoming school year. What better opportunity to invite your friends in D.C. and Maryland to come and enjoy a weekend of shopping in our community?”
Note that all shoppers will avoid the sales tax when buying exempt items in Virginia during the tax holiday, and there is no requirement that the purchases be made for a student or for school purposes. In addition, retailers may also voluntarily “absorb” the sales tax on any other items in their stores for these three days. Retailers who “absorb” the sales tax on non-exempt items must pay the sales tax themselves to the Tax Department.
The Virginia Department of Taxation is extending its customer service hours to answer questions. Customer service representatives will be prepared to answer questions about the sales tax holiday until 9 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday. The number to call is 804-367-8037. The department will be closed on Sunday. For further details about the “holiday,” check the agency’s special sales tax holiday Web site, http://www.tax.virginia.gov/salestaxholiday, which includes an all-inclusive list of school supplies and a representative list of clothing qualifying for the exemption.
The “holiday” is expected to save shoppers about $3.8 million in retail sales tax. The three-day “holiday” takes place each year beginning on the first Friday in August and ending at midnight on the following Sunday.
Many thanks to the overflow crowd of Team Englin volunteers who turned out for tonight’s Volunteer Night! More than two dozen volunteers packed Campaign Central stuffing envelopes, making phone calls, and doing the grassroots work necessary to re-elect David this November and to help build a Democratic majority in the General Assembly.
“After spending the evening out knocking on doors and talking with voters, it was amazing to come home and see how many friends and neighbors decided to give up an evening in the middle of the summer to contribute their energy to our fight for progress,” said David. 
“Thanks to your hard work, we got out an important mailing and made hundreds of calls both for me and to elect Margi Vanderhye in a district currently held by a Republican. With friends like you, I’m confident that together we will win in November and help change the 
balance of power in Richmond so we can deliver the common-sense, progressive legislation that the people of the 45th District demand and deserve.”
David joined Alexandria activists outside of Pat Troy’s “Ireland’s Own” restaurant today to launch a rally to keep pressure on state environmental quality officials to clean up and rein in the Mirant Plant — the dirty, old coal-fired power plant on the Old Town waterfront.
Congratulations to Justin Wilson on his terrific victory in today’s special election for Alexandria City Council! Justin defeated Republican candidate former Vice Mayor Bill Cleveland. 
Justin,” said David. “Thank you to all of the grassroots volunteers who spent the day making calls for Justin from our home reminding Democrats to vote. Shayna and I are proud to have Justin serving our family on City Council.”
volunteers, urging people to support Justin, and asking voters for their support this November.
Recreation Commission’s Outstanding Community Service Awards.
While this year’s planned fireworks were unfortunately cancelled, the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra entertained the crowd into the evening with a stirring performance that included cannon fired by the U.S. Marine Corps.