FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Illinois moms and dads could see cheaper prices on back-to-school items this August under a plan state lawmakers pushed at a news conference Monday at St. Clair Square mall.

The measure would create a sales tax holiday beginning Aug. 1 and running through Aug. 10. Items included are school supplies, clothing or shoes under $200, and computers under $3,000. The impact on the state budget in lost tax dollars is unclear.

David Vite, president of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, said the Illinois bill "can only be good news" for the state's consumers.

Meanwhile, Illinois House Republicans also are seeking a sales tax break over the Memorial Day weekend, May 23-26, which would exempt items priced at $600 or less from the state sales tax. That proposal is estimated to cost the state $40 million in lost revenue.

State Sen. James Clayborne, D-Belleville, who is sponsoring the back-to-school, tax holiday measure, said he has gotten no assurances from the governor's office that he could expect support for his proposal. However, Clayborne said he expects many lawmakers will get behind his plan in an effort to spur the Illinois economy.

The Senate Revenue Committee passed the legislation 9-0, and it is now before the entire Illinois Senate.

The legislation is SB2892.