MASS. - Governor Charlie Baker has announced a proposal that would waive the state's sales tax for all of August and September.  

Massachusetts has had tax-free days and weekends before, but never a tax break as long as two months. 

Gov. Baker said because of stronger than expected tax revenue and extra federal COVID-19 relief money, the break would be a way to grow the economy and thank tax payers after a tough year. 

"Anything that is positive for small businesses I am all for," said Alan Lavine, the assistant sales manager at Percy's TV & Appliance in Worcester. "I think it is great for the customers as well. It put smiles on their faces and if there is one thing we need is a lot of smiles on our faces for the year we all just went through."

Lavine supports the idea and said he thinks not only would it bring more customers through the door, it is something everyone can benefit from. 

"That is really the beauty of it," Lavine said. "Everyone can take advantage of sales tax. It's not specific to one group or another, it is for everyone." 

What You Need To Know

  • Gov. Baker proposed a two month, sales tax free holiday
  • Extra tax revenue and federal relief money makes it possible
  • If passed, Gov. Baker hopes it will help grow the economy 
  • Some elected leaders think the extra money could be used somewhere else

On the other hand, some local elected leaders believe the extra money could be better used in other ways. 

In a statement released this week, state senator Eric Lesser (D-First Hampden and Hampshire) said, "Extra funds should be used to reduce class sizes, repair crumbling roads and bridges, improve broadband internet or used to pay down debt."

Sen. Lesser also said the proposal would cost $900,000 and do almost nothing to help local retailers that are more in need of workers and better infrastructure. 

The two month-long tax holiday is still only a proposal, it needs approval from the state's House and Senate. As of now, the annual tax free weekend in Massachusetts is planned for August 14 and 15. ​