Emergency Preparedness Tax Holiday - Virginia

From Tuesday, May 25 through Monday, May 31, the Commonwealth of Virginia is doing a startlingly sensible thing. Conservatives usually cry crocodile tears when government uses tax policy to advance social change. But when it's change of which they approve, it's best to stand aside or be run over.

Hypocrisy is an underated virtue. This tax holiday is a very good idea. Props to Virginia's new Governor, Bob McDonnell, no slave to doctrine.

(Ummm, by the way Bob, can we have a talk about this Confederacy Month Proclamation with zero mentions of slavery? It might be another good place to deploy tactical hypocrisy when the time rolls around next year.)

Virginia Tax Holiday on Purchase of Hurricane and Emergency Preparedness Equipment

May 25 -31, 2010

During the tax holiday, purchases of hurricane preparedness equipment designated by the Virginia Department of Taxation will be exempt from sales tax --- including portable generators. Portable generators must be priced at $1,000 or less, and other eligible items must be priced at $60 or less, per item. For details, click here.

These items qualify:

• Artificial ice, blue ice, ice packs, and reusable ice


• batteries (AAA, AA, C, D, 6 volt, 9 volt, cell phone batteries)


• portable self-powered light sources (flashlights, lanterns, glow sticks)


• portable self-powered radios (including self-powered radios with electrical power capability)


• two-way radios


• weather band radios and NOAA weather radios


• tarpaulins, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths, and other flexible waterproof sheeting


• bungee cords, rope


• ground anchor systems or tie down kits


• ratchet straps


• duct tape


• carbon monoxide detectors


• smoke detectors


• fire extinguishers


• gas or diesel fuel tanks or containers


• water storage containers


• nonelectric food storage coolers


• bottled water


• manual can openers


• storm shutter devices


• cell phone chargers


• First Aid kits