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Lawmakers Seek Repeal Of 'Tech Tax'

BOSTON (AP) — Democratic legislative leaders say they will move to repeal an unpopular new technology tax, but will not propose new taxes to replace the lost revenue.

House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Senate President Therese Murray made the announcement at a joint news conference Thursday at which they were joined by business leaders who have criticized the 6.25 percent sales tax on business and software services.

DeLeo and Murray say the tax appears to have created a perception that Massachusetts is not friendly to technology companies.

The tax, part of a transportation financing package, was estimated to generate $161 million in the current fiscal year.

The leaders said they would not propose any new tax to replace the revenue, but would try to close the gap by using a budget surplus.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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