MARYLAND. – It’s tax season, and the state is continuing its fight against the $3 billion budget deficit. Currently, a range of options are on the table. These include reforming tax codes, cutting funding to programs, and possibly eliminating tax-free shopping week.

Many families shop for their children during tax-free week, as it aligns with back-to-school shopping. Shore Up, a local agency in Salisbury that helps the impoverished, doesn’t think removing the period is viable.

Chief Communications Officer Julie Peters said the move could cause extra hurdles for those fighting poverty.

“Some of our program participants would find that an incredible hardship, especially if they had children that have a dress code policy. We hope that protection will stay in place for those who need the extra savings.”

Nothing has been made official yet, as lawmakers are looking for solutions to the deficit.