July 22, 2008 MA House approves sales tax holiday

BOSTON (AP) - The Massachusetts House has approved a plan to give consumers a two-day break from the state sales tax.

By a 139-15 vote, lawmakers voted Tuesday in favor of a bill withholding the state's 5-percent sales tax from most items sold during the weekend of Aug. 16-17.

Boats, cars and some other items will be excluded.

Members of the Senate and Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick have also signaled their support for the measure, making it likely to be enacted.

House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi had fluctuated in his position on the bill this year, a problem for proponents since tax measures must originate in his chamber. But last week he said he would support it.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)