Speaker backs sales tax holiday in Mass.

BOSTON -- House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi has decided to support giving consumers in Massachusetts a sales tax holiday for a fifth straight year.

DiMasi said Friday the suspension of the 5 percent sales tax for a weekend is an incentive to spend and gives a much-needed boost to retailers.

"There is no doubt this year that consumers need a break and that retailers need a shot in the arm,"  DiMasi said.

DiMasi said he would encourage House members to support legislation creating the break during the House's full sessions next week.

DiMasi had expressed concerns about the holiday last month, but spokesman David Guarino said he decided the state could afford it after speaking with lawmakers and retailers and seeing healthy state revenue totals.