Mass. House poised to debate repeal of 'tech tax'

BOSTON (AP) — State lawmakers are preparing to debate legislation aimed at repealing an unpopular new technology tax.

The Massachusetts House is expected to take up and approve the repeal when it meets in a formal session Wednesday. The Senate is not scheduled to debate the measure Wednesday, but is planning to come back into session Thursday.

Gov. Deval Patrick has said he was open to repealing the tax, which state officials had estimated would generate $161 million in the fiscal year that began July 1.

Patrick has pressed lawmakers to find an alternative source of revenue if the tax is eliminated.

But House Speaker Robert DeLeo has said there will be no proposal of any new taxes to make up for the revenue. He also said he anticipated no budget cuts as a result of the repeal.

Cox Media Group