We represent many workers who rely on personal protective gear to keep them safe at work:  Roofers, airport ramp workers, masons, steeplejacks, lab workers, and many many others need this clothing and equipment to keep them safe at work.  For years, Connecticut acknowledged the importance of worker safety and allowed workers to purchase this gear tax free.  That has all changed.  The Connecticut General Assembly, and Governor Ned Lamont (D) have repealed the tax protections for worker safety gear and as of January 1, 2020, workers will see a  6% increase in the cost of this necessary protective equipment.

If you need personal protective gear or safety apparel to do your job, you have less than a week before a hefty price increase goes into effect.   The full text of this law is below:

"The Exemption for Safety Apparel Is Repealed  on Sales of safety apparel, defined as “any item of clothing or protective equipment worn by an employee for protection during the course of the employee's employment,” and further described in Policy Statement 2004(4), Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Safety Apparel, will become subject to sales and use taxes for sales occurring on or after January 1, 2020. Effective January 1, 2020. 2019 Conn. Pub. Acts 117, § 400, repealing Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-412(91)."