The Massachusetts House rejected a proposed meals tax holiday, voting instead Wednesday to send the proposal to a special commission for further study.

The Republican-backed proposal was an amendment to a $130 million spending bill. It called for the state's 6.25 percent tax on restaurant meals to be suspended March 18-23.

Billerica Rep. Marc Lombardo said the measure would boost restaurants, including many small, family-owned eateries, during a traditionally slow week. He said the estimated $8.8 million in lost tax revenue would be offset by other economic benefits from the holiday.

Lawmakers voted 116-39 to send the proposal to a special commission examining the state's tax policy. The move effectively kills the measure for now.

Please send a message to Speaker Delio and the other House Democrats that it is time to stop playing politics with the economy and let this Meals Tax Holiday go through by signing the petition.