Mass. lawmakers returning to Legislature

BOSTON (WWLP) - Massachusetts lawmakers will return this week to take on some big issues that have come up in recent months.

The 2013-2014 session begins Wednesday, with money matters at the top of the agenda. The Legislature is expected to address the state's broken transportation funding system, but there's no clear solution in sight. Governor Patrick also wants progress on closing a projected $540 million dollar gap between revenues and spending in the current budget.

He's proposing a $200 million transfer from the state's so-called rainy day fund, and a 1 percent cut in aid to cities and towns.

The governor is also asking the Legislature for $30 million dollars to cover initial costs from the Annie Dookhan drug testing scandal.