MA House passes sales tax despite veto threat

Boston (AP)  -- House lawmakers have overwhelmingly backed a plan to raise the state sales tax, despite a threatened veto from Gov. Deval Patrick.

By a 108 to 51 vote, lawmakers approved the proposal by Democratic leaders, including Speaker Robert DeLeo, to increase the tax from 5 percent to 6.25 percent, enough to raise an additional $900 million annually.

Just as the House began debate, Patrick, a Democrat, sent lawmakers a letter threatening the veto unless they first approved a series of reform measures.

Hear Gov. Patrick's interview with WBZ Newsradio:


House leaders spent much of the day rounding up enough votes to override any veto. Two-thirds, or about 107 votes, are required.

Supporters say the money is needed to help avoid some of the harshest budget cuts as the state grapples with plunging tax collections.