BOSTON — It’s been two weeks since a Republican Senate candidate swept into power in Massachusetts, and the state’s Republican leaders are now trying to figure out how to use his win to make the case for tax reform.
“What the Senate has to do is put forward a package that will make Massachusetts a stronger place to live and work,” Senate President Scott Fitzgerald said Tuesday.
“There are a lot of things that need to happen, but that’s what the Senate will do.”
It’s unclear whether Republicans will have the votes to pass their plan to overhaul the nation’s tax code in the next Congress, which begins in January.
But the Senate GOP majority has been working hard to get legislation on the floor for weeks.
A few senators said they hope to move forward with tax reform in the lame-duck session, but there is a chance that some of the legislation could have to wait until after the election.
“I think you’ll see some progress, I think you will see some of this,” Senate Minority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, told reporters.
“I think we’re gonna get there, but it’s not something that’s set in stone yet.”
The Massachusetts Senate GOP leader is expected to hold a news conference Wednesday to discuss the tax overhaul and other issues, and Fitzgerald said his caucus will be working with other Senate Republicans to try to get it passed.
“We’re trying to work with the Senate leadership, the White House and the governors and the Democrats and independents to make sure we can get it done,” Fitzgerald said.
Fitzgerald is not expected to be on the ballot for reelection in the November election.