Richmond, Virginia (June 2, 2006) - Delegate Jeff Frederick joined Governor Tim Kaine and other members of the General Assembly today for a bill signing ceremony that provides a “sales tax holiday” on back-to-school related items prior to the start of the new school year.

“Every parent knows that getting ready for a new school year can be an expensive proposition. The legislation I am signing into law today is an effort to make that process a little easier and a little more affordable for Virginia families,” Governor Kaine said.

Frederick praised the Governor for supporting and signing tax cuts into law.

“Families in eastern Prince William, and in the Commonwealth, are really screaming for tax relief as many find it harder each day to make ends meet. This legislation will do a lot to ensuring that parents are able to provide their kids with the supplies and clothing they need to start school each year on the right foot. With all the talk lately about raising taxes, I'm glad we're standing here today celebrating tax relief for the working families of Virginia. I think, and hope, we have more opportunities to join the Governor cutting taxes”, Frederick said.

House Bill 484, incorporated into House Bill 532 and sponsored by Frederick, will provide a sales tax exemption each year, beginning Friday, August 4th, 2006, through Sunday, August 6th, 2006. The exemption will occur on an annual basis for a three-day period starting the first Friday in August, and ending at midnight on the first Sunday in August. The exemption applies to school supplies with a selling price of $20 or less, and clothing or footwear with a selling price of $100 or less.

The legislation passed both the House and Senate with bi-partisan super-majorities earlier this year. The original legislation introduced by Frederick provided for a seven-day period, and included computers and related equipment with a selling price of $1500 or less. “As someone who works in the technology field, I can tell it is essential for students to have access to computers and technology”, Frederick said. “I'm disappointed that the compromise language of this bill didn't include those provisions, but I'm hopeful we'll be able to improve the law in the coming years.”

Frederick introduced similar legislation in 2005, but did not make it out of committee that year.

Delegate Jeff Frederick is CEO of GXS Strategies, a Virginia-based information and internet technology small business he founded in 1998. He also serves on the House Finance Committee, the committee responsible for tax and revenue measures.