Editorial: Preparation, at a discount
Virginia’s three-day sales-tax holiday couldn’t come at a better time. Consumers are worried about inflation and higher prices, so being able to buy some essentials at a slightly reduced cost should have them flying to the stores this weekend.
Purchasing school supplies may be at the top of most families’ lists since the start of a new year is only weeks away, but here, in the middle of the hurricane season, is the ideal time to gather the basic necessities in case of an emergency. Though the Atlantic has been relatively tame so far this year, that shouldn’t lull Hampton Roads into a false sense of confidence — and readiness in case of an emergency makes a big difference.
Only a few years ago, Virginia had three sales-tax free weekends to encourage the purchase of back-to-school items, emergency supplies and Energy Star-rated appliances that lower power costs and boost efficiency. In 2015, lawmakers combined the three into one event, no doubt to the delight of commonwealth retailers, that lasts from midnight on Friday to midnight on Sunday.
For buyers in Hampton Roads, that means qualifying purchases will be about 6% cheaper due to suspension of the state’s 4.3% sales tax, the 1% local-option sales tax and our region’s additional 0.7% tax.
For retailers, that means bustling stores and higher receipts, though the long-term effects are negligible since many people will be buying items they would likely purchase regardless of the tax break.
That’s why some tax advocates have come to question the value of sales-tax holidays, arguing they do not promote economic growth, pose a challenge to small businesses who must account for the tax differences in their reporting, and do not provide the type of assistance that might better serve low-income families.
But while families might still buy school supplies and clothes for a new academic year without the tax holiday, this weekend offers another important opportunity for officials to encourage emergency preparedness and for residents in at-risk areas to ready themselves for what may come.
When a hurricane threatens the coast, it’s critically important that residents who choose to stay can do so independently of assistance. First responders and law enforcement will have their hands full without additional calls for help.
Power may be out. Roads may be impassible. Supply chains may be broken. People who choose to stay in their homes will need to have the supplies needed to survive until systems are restored.
That means having at least three days of water on hand — a good rule is one gallon of water per person per day. (Don’t forget about your pets.) Water containers are among the supplies that qualify for the sales-tax holiday.
Also qualifying are non-electric food storage (such as coolers), ice packs, food preparation tools (such as manual can openers), first aid supplies, tarps, weather radios and batteries — all items families should have on hand.
Portable generators, power inverters and chainsaws are among the bigger-ticket items Virginians can purchase at a discount this weekend. Not everyone needs those, but they sure are handy in the aftermath of a disaster.
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management has a handy list of recommended emergency supplies on its website (vaemergency.gov); the American Red Cross has another good list (redcross.org). Wirecutter, a product of The New York Times, has a handy buyers’ guide with supply recommendations (nytimes.com/wirecutter).
It’s been a while since Hampton Roads endured the worst of a powerful hurricane, and the region has been fortunate that this year’s storm season has been milder than expected. Still, we know that things can change dramatically in August and September, and it’s better to get needed supplies now rather than as the dark clouds are rolling in.
While the sales-tax holiday may not impress economists, getting some of these key items at a modest discount will help families and, importantly, help families be prepared for whatever the Atlantic may spin up in the coming weeks.
