Tax-free week Aug. 19 through Aug. 25

(WTNH) -- Back to school is right around the corner and a tax-free week comes just in time.

From August 19th through the 25th, all clothing and footwear purchases under $300 in the state of Connecticut are exempt from the state's sales tax.

The program, now in its 12th year, aims to help stimulate the economy by encouraging consumer purchases.

On the other hand, some critics estimate that the tax exemption could actually cost the state about $7 million.