Senate rescinds hotel tax increase

PROVIDENCE — The Senate yesterday voted unanimously to rescind the increase in the statewide hotel room occupancy tax. The tax, which was raised to six percent (up from five percent) last July, was increased to fund the proposed bond payments on the Heritage Harbor Museum. Last November, the bond question was placed on the ballot and defeated, and many argued that there was no longer a need for the tax increase. However, the state will keep revenues already collected from the increase, reports said.