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Mass. House Knocks Down Effort To Roll Back Taxes

Massachusetts House lawmakers have rejected Republican-led efforts to roll back the state alcohol and sales tax rates.

Republicans introduced the proposed tax cuts during the House's state budget debate on Tuesday.

One amendment would have repealed last year's increase in the sales tax, which raised the rate from 5 percent to 6.25 percent.

The second amendment would have lifted the sales tax on alcohol sold in stores, which had previously been exempt from the tax.

Lawmakers agreed to subject alcohol to the sales tax last year. Liquor stores say the tax is driving customers to neighboring states.

The House batted down both amendments, voting instead to send them to study committees, which all but guarantees no action will be taken on them this legislative year.

This program aired on April 27, 2010. The audio for this program is not available.

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