Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Tri-State area

Illinois

Illinois could lose up to 60 million dollars during it's first ever tax free holiday this week. That coming from a Danville state representative who says the tax holiday is not  a good idea as Illinois faces a nearly 13 billion dollar state budget deficit. Meanwhile, Governor Pat Quinn says the tax-free holiday will boost sales for retailers and help struggling consumers.

KHQA stopped by local stores to see how the weekend has benefited Illinois businesses so far. Sunday, hundreds of shoppers lined stores in the Quincy Mall. Some spending hundreds of dollars, while keeping an extra ten to twenty dollars in their pocket. The state's suspended five percent sales tax circles around a specific list of items that includes school supplies, equipment, clothing and shoes all under $100.

The tax break lasts for ten days until Sunday, August 15th.  Some stores plan to open early and stay open late.

Missouri

Missouri's seventh annual back-to-school sales tax holiday ends at midnight Sunday. The holiday means the state's 4.2 percent sales tax does not apply for items like clothing, school supplies and computers. The state's sales tax holiday also applies to online purchases of back-to-school items where Missouri's retail sales tax is charged.

Iowa

Meanwhile, Iowa's tax-free holiday ended Saturday. One of the major differences from Illinois and Missouri's tax holidays? Shoppers paid no sales tax at all.