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Gov. Patrick calls for controversial 'tech tax' to be repealed

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Gov. Deval Patrick is no longer backing the so-called "tech tax."

The governor told the State House News Service Tuesday that he no longer supports a sales tax on computer and software services. He said the controversial tax should be repealed and replaced with another source to replace the $161 million in revenue anticipated in the state budget.

Gov. Patrick's change of opinion comes a week after he held a meeting among lawmakers and business leaders to discuss the tax. He called the tax a "serious blot" on the state's reputation after a public outcry from some lawmakers and business owners calling for it to be repealed.

Business groups criticized the tax as vague and confusing, saying it will hurt the state's technology sector.
 
State officials previously said they planned to establish rules that would apply the tax as narrowly as possible.

Lawmakers would have to revisit their months-long debate on the tax if they plan to replace it.