MA House approves sales tax holiday

Massachusetts House lawmakers have voted to approve a sales tax holiday for the second week in August.

The measure was included as an amendment to an economic development bill the lawmakers were debating Wednesday.

Under the plan, shoppers whould not have to pay the state's 6.25 percent sales tax on certain goods on August 14 and 15.

The 134-13 House vote comes just a week after the Gov. Deval Patrick signed a state budget that included a 4-percent cut to local aid.

The Senate must vote in favor of the sales tax holiday before sending it to Patrick for final approval.

Patrick has said he would support the measure if he determines the state can afford it.

The state skipped the holiday last year for budget reasons.