Wallets around the state could be fatter by the end of July if Rep. Mike Sutherland’s (R-Warrenton) sales tax holiday goes into effect.

Sutherland has proposed legislation creating the Independence Day Sales Tax Holiday, which would exempt all sales tax every year from July 4 to July 31.

“I think with the economy being kind of down and people not getting out to shop, retailers are having a hard time so I’m trying to do two things: give people a tax break and hopefully encourage them to go out and shop and get the retail economy going again,” Sutherland said.

The bill was perfected in the House Wednesday, and would go into effect immediately if approved. The sales tax holiday would expire in six years.

“Retailers are struggling right now so I want to give Missourians a tax break but also get them out shopping so hopefully we can get some retail activity going and that money resonates through the community because it keeps people working, keeps businesses going,” Sutherland said.

Sutherland expected to get a House vote Thursday or early next week.