The 188th Massachusetts Legislature began the 2013 – 2014 legislative session on January 2. This alert identifies the key public policy issues that will likely emerge in the current session and offers insight into their possible implications.

Legislative Leadership & Priority Issues -

Legislators re-elected Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Bob DeLeo to their respective leadership posts. Murray and DeLeo laid out their visions for the current legislative session and highlighted priorities issues, which include the items discussed below.

Short-Term Priorities -

Transportation: The state’s transportation system is in need of an estimated $1 billion annually to address a gap between revenues and costs. All eyes are on Governor Deval Patrick and the Legislature to present a comprehensive transportation financing proposal to address this long-term issue. A menu of financing options will be considered, including an open road tolling system and an increase in the gas tax, as well as other revenue enhancing measures. Leaders in both branches, as well as Governor Patrick, have stated their intentions to design a solution that will promote safety, efficiency and reflect a sense of regional equity.