STATE HOUSE — Proposed modifications to the Massachusetts estate tax system were described by supporters Tuesday as needed tools to help keep wealth in the state while also easing a burden on small business owners and working families.
Massachusetts collects a tax of up to 16 percent on qualifying estates over $1 million, a fee that reform proponents said during a legislative hearing has less impact on wealthy individuals who can move to another state or soften the blow by working with lawyers and planners.
STATE HOUSE — A group of package store owners on Tuesday came out against a bill that would allow them to open their shops and make liquor sales on Thanksgiving, arguing the business wouldn't be worth the loss of family time.
"We have lives just like the other residents of the community and there are so few days left in the year for any of us to have time with our families," Massachusetts Package Stores Association Executive Director Frank Anzalotti told the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. "We've always looked at Thanksgiving Day as probably the single, only family day of celebration when people have a chance to get together, and we view Thanksgiving Day as one that should remain closed so store owners have this opportunity."
