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BEACON HILL NEWS

THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week.

POSSIBLE 2014 BALLOT QUESTIONS

Sponsors of possible ballot questions in the November 2014 election had until August 7 to complete the first step in the long process to get their proposed law on the ballot.

Proposals include one that would repeal the new 6.25 percent sales tax on computer system design services as well as modification of prewritten software. These services are currently exempt from the sales tax.

Supporters of the new tax say it is fair and will help pay for the much-needed repairs of the state's transportation system including dangerous roads and crumbling bridges.

Opponents say the figure is closer to $500 million and argue this tax will kill job creation and harm the Massachusetts economy.

Another measure would repeal the indexing of the gas tax to inflation. The indexing ties future increases in the gas tax to the Consumer Price Index, ensuring future gas tax hikes without the need for lawmakers to vote on them. This inflation rider was part of a recent 3-cent-per-gallon hike in the state's current 21-cent-per-gallon gas tax.

Supporters of the inflation index say it is fair and will raise revenue to repair the state's transportation infrastructure.

Opponents of the inflation index say it makes a bad tax even worse and will hurt the struggling economy and families and businesses that are already paying some of the highest gas taxes in the nation.

The House and Senate recently voted on amendments to repeal both of these new laws. Those roll calls are included in this week's report.

Other proposals include expanding the state's existing beer and soda bottle bill law to require a deposit on bottles of most other carbonated and non-carbonated beverages including water, ice tea, juice and sports drinks; making casino gambling illegal; raising the minimum wage; and reducing the income tax.

STRIKE PROPOSED SERVICE TAX (H 3382, S1766)

House 54-97, Senate 8-30, rejected an amendment that would repeal the 6.25 percent sales tax on computer system design services as well as modification of prewritten software.

(The roll call was on repealing the tax. A "Yes" vote is for repealing the tax. A "No" vote is for the tax.)

Rep. Harrington:YES Sen. Donoghue: NO

STRIKE PROPOSED GAS TAX INFLATION INDEX (H 3535)

House 53-95, Senate 7-32 and rejected an amendment that would repeal tying future increases in the gas tax to the Consumer Price Index.

(The roll call was on repealing the indexing of the gas tax to inflation. A "Yes" vote is for repealing indexing. A "No" vote is for indexing.)

Rep. Harrington:YES Sen. Donoghue: NO

Beacon Hill Roll Call

Volume 38 - Report No. 32

August 9, 2013

Copyright © 2013 Beacon Hill Roll Call. All Rights Reserved.

By Bob Katzen

Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com

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