BOSTON (AP) — Gov. Charlie Baker is making a last-ditch effort to put a sales tax holiday on the summer calendar, but legislative leaders quickly appeared to throw cold water on the idea.
The Republican governor on Wednesday filed a bill that would suspend the state’s 6.25 percent sales tax on the weekend of Aug 19-20.
Democratic House Speaker Robert DeLeo said in a statement that the House had in past years supported a sales tax holiday “whenever revenues allow.” He noted Massachusetts is currently experiencing “unpredicted revenue shortfalls” that have prompted budget cuts.
Democratic Senate President Stan Rosenberg said a public hearing would be held on Baker’s bill, but also pointed to the state’s tenuous finances.
2nd Barnstable State Rep. Will Crocker (R-Centerville) said he supports holding a sales tax holiday this year.
“I have heard from a number of business owners and operators in the district who believe a tax free weekend is a great way to get people into their stores and to stimulate the economy here on the Cape in the late summer,” Crocker said. “I think it’s a great idea and will support it as much as I can.”
The House and Senate are on August recess with no formal sessions scheduled until after Labor Day.
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