State Representative Mark Falzone joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in approving an amendment that would allow a state sales tax holiday on August 14th and 15th of this year to encourage consumers to shop at local businesses across the state. This job-promoting amendment will give a boost to consumer spending and local businesses, and was passed by a bi-partisan vote of 134-13.

The amendment is part of an economic development bill passed by the House that would streamline economic development agencies and make Massachusetts more attractive to businesses.

Representative Falzone commented, “This sales tax holiday in August will greatly benefit businesses and consumers in our community and across the state. I was glad to have the opportunity to place this job-promoting vote in favor of economic development, and will continue to work to create jobs and stimulate our local economy.”

“Allowing a sales tax holiday will increase spending at Massachusetts stores and businesses at a time when businesses across the state are struggling to make ends meet,” House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo said. “The House has once again voted to stimulate economic growth in our commonwealth.”

The amendment requires that the commissioner of revenue certify the amount of sales tax forgone as well as the amount of new revenue raised from personal and corporate income taxes and other sources as a result of the sales tax holiday. This certification must come by the end of this calendar year.

The sales tax holiday applies to retail sales excluding any single item priced higher than $2,500. The sales tax holiday does not apply to gas, steam, electricity, motor vehicles, motorboats or meals.

A sales tax holiday must also be approved by the State Senate and be signed by Governor Patrick to take effect.