Back-to-school supplies - from pencils to laptops - will be tax-free in New Jersey for 10 days later this summer from August 27th to September 5th under a 7% sales tax holiday announced Wednesday by Gov. Phil Murphy and his fellow Democrats who lead the state Legislature. The items that can be purchased tax-free will include a range of school supplies, including pens, notebooks, art supplies, text books, computers, and computer supplies, as well as sports and recreational equipment and bicycle helmets, officials said. The holiday will apply to both online and in-person sales. Shortly after Wednesday’s announcement, Republican lawmakers, policy experts, and advocates slammed the proposal, dismissing it as a gimmick that will not make the state affordable for low-paid workers and their families. The average family spends about $800 on back-to-school shopping and would amount to a savings of about $50 on school supplies for the average family.