The Massachusetts House of Representatives has yet to weigh in on a tax plan passed this week by the state Senate that reverses an expected tax cut in order to fund an antipoverty program.
The bill increases the earned income tax credit, which is a tax break given to poor and working class families. Under the plan, after three years the average credit would increase to $470 a year up from $315.
To pay for this, the state income tax rate for everyone would stay at 5.15 percent — where it is now — instead of falling to 5 percent over the next few years.
To sweeten the deal, everyone would enjoy some tax relief. The proposal increases personal exemptions by $400 for single people and $800 for married couples. But only for one year.
For this tax package to become law, the House and governor would both need to agree. House Speaker Robert Deleo so far is declining to comment.
