Mass. Senate Joins House, Repeals 'Tech Tax'

The Massachusetts Legislature has repealed a new tax on computer and software services that had been in effect less than two months.

Thursday's 38-0 Senate vote came a day after the House backed the repeal by a 156-1 vote.

Gov. Deval Patrick says he's open to repealing the tax, but said he's waiting to see what House and Senate leaders do make up for the lost revenue. Officials estimated the tax would generate $161 million in its first year.

Asked Wednesday if he would veto the repeal if it didn't include additional revenues, Patrick said: "That's not where I am."

Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairman Stephen Brewer said he expects greater than anticipated revenue growth will close the budget hole.

The tax, part of a transportation financing measure, was widely criticized by technology companies.