As part of my ongoing effort to spur business growth throughout the Greater-Brockton region and the Commonwealth, I proudly joined my colleagues yesterday in the House of Representatives to allow for a state sales-tax holiday this August 14th and 15th.

The amendment, part of an economic development bill passed by the House that would streamline the Commonwealth’s economic development agencies and make Massachusetts more attractive to businesses, aims to encourage residents to shop at local businesses across the state in August, which has historically been one of the slowest months for consumer spending. It passed by a vote of 134-13.

Anyone looking for a time-proven economic stimulus measure need not look any further than the legislature’s record of working with our partners in the business community to approve sales-tax holidays in the Commonwealth. They offer relief to Massachusetts consumers, put people to work, and increase sales for local retailers. I’m pleased to once again support this critical tool to help bolster our collective efforts to get our economy moving again.

The sales-tax holiday applies to retail stores, excluding any single item priced higher than $2,500. It does not apply to gas, steam, electricity, motor vehicles, motorboats or meals.

The measure now goes before a House-Senate conference committee before coming back to the House for final approval.