Mass. residents could get sales tax holiday
By Globe Staff
In a development that could be good news for bargain-conscious shoppers, House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi said today that he supports a state sales tax holiday and he will encourage House members to support it. The bill could come up for a vote next week.
DiMasi said in a statement that previous sales tax holidays have been good for consumers and "provided a much-needed boost to retailers in the otherwise slow month of August. There is no doubt this year that consumers need a break and that retailers need a shot in the arm."
A spokesman for the Boston Democrat said the bill could come up Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
If approved, it would be the fifth year in a row for the tax holiday. Last year, thrifty consumers flocked to stores across the state and were welcomed by merchants. During the two-day holiday, the state's 5 percent sales tax did not apply on purchases up to $2,500.
Senate President Therese Murray, a Democrat from Plymouth, said last month at a Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce event, that she also supported the proposal.
"We should also preserve our trust with the taxpayers and approve another sales tax holiday this year. The sales tax holiday would be welcomed more than ever in this difficult economy, providing consumers with some necessary relief while boosting sales and consumer confidence," she said in a transcript provided by her office.
Becky Deusser, a spokeswoman for Democratic Governor Deval Patrick, said he hadn't made a decision on the proposal yet.
