Anne Hughes

Connecticut's annual Sales Tax-Free Week begins on Sunday, Aug. 17, and runs through Saturday, Aug. 23. It provides a chance to save money, whether it is taking the kids back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones.

Highlights of Sales Tax-Free Week

• Sales or purchases of certain items of clothing or footwear costing less than $100 per item are exempt from Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax.
• Sales Tax-Free Week applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone.
• This special exemption applies to purchases made from retailers located in Connecticut as well as from online retailers.

This is Connecticut's 26th Sales Tax Free Week.

A list of exempt and taxable items during Sales Tax-Free Week can be found here.

A list of FAQs can be found here.

The State Bond Commission approved the release of $155 million to slightly reduce the public benefit charges on your bill. This action is a result of bipartisan energy affordability legislation (Senate Bill 4) that passed earlier this year.

The funding will reduce costs associated with:

• Hardship protection programs: $125 million will go towards assisting low-income customers who struggle to pay their electric bills
• Electric vehicle charging programs: $30 million will cover costs related to the state's EV charging infrastructure and integration.

The result will be about $10 to $20 off our monthly bills. While it's not a comprehensive solution we have been working toward, it is a start. I will continue pushing for real change in how we address electricity rates and fees.

In addition to looking at ways to impact our rates here in Connecticut, it is also critical that there are federal approaches to reduce costs.

I support Sen. Richard Blumenthal's call today for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to provide oversight over local transmission projects that significantly increase energy costs for consumers. Read more about Sen. Blumenthal's proposal here.

The 64th annual Mark Twain Library Book Fair will take place Labor Day weekend -- Friday, Aug. 29, to Monday, Sept. 1 -- at the The Redding Community Center, 37 Lonetown Road.

The times are the following: 

Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. prices as marked
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. prices as marked
Sunday (half-price day): 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. half price day
Monday ($10 for a box of books): 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The book fair is the oldest and one of the largest in New England, with more than 60,000 books in 75 categories that will be on sale.

Admission is free, except there is a $20 early admission fee from 9 to 10 a.m. on Friday ONLY.  

Free parking; refreshments will be on sale. 

Learn the basics on how to recognize edible plants and mushrooms -- mostly in Connecticut -- from Gina Pagano at the Easton Library on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m.

Pagano is an avid hiker and camper who has been foraging for over 10 years. She will discuss a few items that are easy to identify and find each season. She will also try to bring a few samples for participants to try.

To register, which is recommended, visit eastonlibrary.org, or call 203-261-0134.