ATLANTA (AP) -- Thousands of shoppers have been flocking to malls in more than a dozen states for back-to-school sales tax holidays, buying millions of dollars worth of clothes and school supplies -- and depriving states of much-needed revenue.The tax holidays offer a financial relief valve to families grappling with high gas and food prices, and are a welcome tradition among retailers. But some lawmakers, economists -- and even some shoppers -- are questioning why states are suspending sales taxes amid a slumping economy. Several states have called off the event entirely.
Vanessa Lee of Atlanta snagged six pairs of sneakers and a few dresses for $115 during Georgia's tax holiday at the start of this month. But the 42-year-old mother of three daughters in elementary school said she would rather have paid the taxes and seen the money go toward education.
"We could do away with the holiday," Lee said. "I would hate to see our teachers and classrooms lose out on money because the state doesn't have enough revenue."
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