Speaker DeLeo: Mass. Lawmakers Will Address MBTA Woes

BOSTON (AP) — House Speaker Robert DeLeo is promising that Massachusetts lawmakers will address public transportation woes during the new legislative session now under way on Beacon Hill.

In his annual address to the House on Wednesday, DeLeo said he's had numerous discussions with Gov. Charlie Baker and Senate President Stanley Rosenberg about recent problems on the MBTA. The Boston-area transit system has been overwhelmed by recent snowstorms, leading to massive delays and a more than 24-hour shutdown of rail service this week.

DeLeo did not offer any specific proposals for the T in his speech, but made clear that any solution would not involve new taxes or fees.

The Winthrop Democrat spoke prior to House debate over Baker's plan to close a projected $768 million deficit in the current state budget.