From the Corner Office

Senate Pres. Therese Murray

Massachusetts State Senate President Therese Murray — the first woman to lead either body of the Massachusetts legislature — focused her remarks Thursday on legislative efforts to grow jobs in the Commonwealth and improve the lives of residents in the midst of an uncertain economy.

1 On health care cost, clean energy, and life science legislation: “These major developments represent the best of what we do in state government. These are bold reforms and investments that will pay great dividends for the Commonwealth in the years to come — creating a new environment for economic development and setting a new course for our future economy.”

2 On the sales tax holiday: “We should also preserve our trust with the taxpayers and approve another sales tax holiday this year. The sales tax holiday would be welcomed more than ever in this difficult economy, providing consumers with some necessary relief while boosting sales and consumer confidence.”

3 On the effort to repeal the state income tax: “Proponents of the repeal would have us believe that every worker in the state would get back $3,600. But, that’s not true … a person making $1 million a year in taxable income would save $53,000, while a teacher’s aide earning minimum wage would save next to nothing.  The income tax protects low- and middle- income residents from paying an uneven share of their earnings. If you take it away, not everyone benefits.”  

For more information or to register for these events, visit bostonchamber.com.