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The Republican Caucus of the Massachusetts state House and Senate announced Monday a schedule of roundtable discussions to get people talking about the implications of the tech tax on local businesses and make steps toward repeal.
The 2013 GOP Technology Tax Business Roundtables will kick off Monday afternoon and are scheduled through the week across the state. It will be a collection of GOP legislators, chamber of commerce and local technology professionals.
"Since the Democratic-led legislature approved the crippling technology tax, one of the Commonwealth's most vital sectors is just beginning to deal with the adverse effects of the tax. The 2013 GOP Technology Tax Business Roundtables will serve as an opportunity for businesses and Chambers of Commerce, which have been severely impacted by this reckless tax, to have the opportunity to discuss the detrimental effects and ways to reverse what is sure to suppress future economic growth within the technology industry and the Commonwealth," said House Minority Leader Brad Jones in a statement.
[Related: Global Business Looks To Leave Massachusetts, Reduce Headcount After Tech Tax Hit]
The roundtable is being held in response to widespread anger from businesses across the state in response to the July 31 implementation of a 6.25 percent tax on software services. A measure to repeal the tax has already been proposed by Sen. Karen Spilka and a petition has been handed to the state attorney general to get the issue put before a vote on the November 2014 ballot.
"We are trying to stop this deluge of bad policy coming out of Boston but we need help from the public," said Republican Rep. Keiko Orrall, who voted against the tech tax when it came before the legislature as part of a bill to fund state transportation. "We need outrage from the public."
