Sales Tax Hike Passes House

Late last night, House Democrats passed a 25% sales tax hike…

A bruising budget brawl on Beacon Hill ended with House lawmakers approving a sales tax hike, as House Speaker Robert DeLeo won a potentially veto-proof margin over Gov. Deval Patrick’s objections.

The House voted 108 to 51 to raise the state sales tax 25 percent to 6.25 cents on every dollar, casting their ballots at 11 p.m before calling it a night. The Senate still must approve the tax boost before it goes to the governor.

The new speaker only narrowly secured a two-vote margin to override Patrick’s threatened veto, and had to sway freshmen lawmakers to carry the day.

“It’s clear (Patrick’s) trying to scuttle the sales tax because he wants a gas tax instead, and there isn’t enough support to pass a 19-cent gas tax,” said state Rep. Joseph Wagner (D-Chicopee), chairman of the transportation committee, before the vote was taken.

And what of Patrick’s veto threat? Sorry, but I’m not impressed by your threat to veto, Governor; not from someone who continues to entertain hikes in taxes on gas, alcohol and candy as well toll hikes before even seriously considering cuts in spending.

Again, not impressed–and considering the margin of the vote is just enough to beat out a Patrick veto, he is doing nothing more than shooting blanks.

Aaron Margolis is a life long resident of the Bay State, and works at an architectural firm north of Boston. Aaron has a Master of Architecture Degree from Boston Architectural College and is currently in the process of becoming of a Registered Architect.