Projo Biz Blog

Rhode Island General Treasurer Frank T. Caprio is putting his money behind Rhode Island's merchants this holiday season, taking it upon himself to promote what he considers an underpublicized advantage the state has over its neighbors -- the lack of a tax on clothing.

Through a billboard sign that went up this morning on Route 95 South on the Massachusetts border, and a Web site that went live today, Caprio will try to get out of staters to consider shopping for clothing here.

"We in Rhode Island need to brand our state -- especially when it comes to the retail trade," Caprio said. "We're not seen as a tax haven for clothing or anything else."

Other states, particularly Massachusetts, make no bones about promoting their tax advantages over this state, he said. Rhode Island should turn the tables on its competitors.

So, he's paid about $12,000 out of his campaign fund to put up a billboard with a straightforward message: "Shop Rhode Island where every day is a sales tax-free holiday on clothes."

The billboard lists a Web site address -- www.NoClothesTax.com -- where Caprio makes his pitch for shopping in Rhode Island.

He may pay for other billboards in Massachusetts and Connecticut promoting the lack of clothing sales tax, Caprio said.

 Tags  Caprio economy Rhode Island taxes

Comments

Wayne Cote said:

I have found in Rhode Island that a store will charge you tax on clothing if used for recreational purposes. Dicks store is one. When I go to the Safety store in Coventry to buy a bright green safety vest I am required to wear at work, if they want to believe I am using it for hunting they will charge sales tax.

Link | November 25, 2008 6:27 PM
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