Speaker Sheldon Silver announced today that New York State will no longer collect sales tax on clothing and footwear under $110. The sales tax exemption will begin April 1, 2012.

"We must do everything we can to ease the burden on working families," said Silver. "Families are struggling with the choice of paying for food, rent or clothing. This tax exemption will provide much needed relief to our residents."

A temporary suspension of the state sales tax exemption on clothing and footwear went into effect on October 1, 2010. That suspension is now expiring. The state began to phase out the four percent sales tax on April 1, 2011. Over the last year, sales tax was not collected on items under $55.

"We encourage people to take advantage of this exemption and shop at their local businesses. The sales tax exemption will not only aid working families, but will provide a boost to local economies," said Silver.