Connecticut shoppers are taking advantage of an expanded Tax-Free Week as families prepare for the new school year.

The sales tax holiday runs through Saturday and allows shoppers to purchase eligible items priced under $300 without paying sales tax.

Previously, the exemption applied only to items priced under $100.

The expanded program now includes many back-to-school essentials, such as notebooks and backpacks.

Parents and students say the savings can make a difference as school shopping costs continue to rise.

"It's hard to afford because many people don't have as much as other people do. And it's really hard for other people to get," said Caylia Taylor of Norwalk.

Connecticut's tax holiday differs from New York's approach.

New York does not offer a sales tax holiday. Instead, clothing and shoes priced under $110 are exempt from sales tax year-round, though that exemption does not apply to school supplies.