Mass. Passes Tax Pact Over Veto

BOSTON — Massachusetts lawmakers voted Thursday to override acting Gov. Jane Swift’s veto and enact one of the biggest tax increases in state history, a package totaling $1.1 billion.

The Democrat-controlled Senate voted 28 to 9, largely along party lines. The House, which also is controlled by Democrats, overrode the Republican governor’s veto Tuesday.

The slumping economy caused a downturn in tax revenue and lawmakers decided to raise taxes to avoid deep cuts to services such as schools, housing and health care. Opponents said the taxes will stifle business.