This weekend marks the advent of Massachusetts’ 25 percent increase in their sales tax to 6.25 percent from 5 percent.  In addition, for the first time, the sales tax now applies to liquor purchases.  The Union Leader today features a story on the economic effects of the higher taxes in Massachusetts on New Hampshire businesses.

Mainers across the state sympathize with the plight of Massachusetts cross-border shoppers as they too head for the New Hampshire border . . . . especially after January 1, 2010 when higher sales taxes due to the enactment of LD 1495 take effect.