Representative Robert A. DeLeo Served 1993 - 2020 Democrat - 19th Suffolk

House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop) has represented the 19th Suffolk District, including the Town of the Winthrop and a portion of the City of Revere, in the Massachusetts House of Representatives since 1991. A graduate of the Boston Latin School, Speaker DeLeo holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northeastern University and a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School. He became Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives in January, 2009.

This year, Speaker DeLeo led the Legislature in passing a consensus-driven gun safety law that closes existing loopholes, creates a sustainable framework to stop gun trafficking and establishes best practices for school safety. The Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence has noted that the legislation is among the strongest in the nation, including an important set of provisions existing in no other state. Under his leadership, the Legislature also passed updated domestic violence legislation which creates new criminal offenses and elevated penalties, boosts prevention efforts and seeks to empower victims.

Since becoming Speaker, DeLeo has spearheaded two economic development packages which focus on improving the Massachusetts economy through comprehensive strategies. He has been lauded for his effective and creative approach to job creation which leverages the strengths of diverse sectors to bolster the Commonwealth’s economy in its entirety and address regional inequalities. A February 2014 Boston Globe article praised Speaker DeLeo as “one of the biggest champions of our innovation economy” and described him as “knowledgeable and fluent in getting things done, what the innovation economy needs.” These efforts underscore the Speaker’s work on the transportation finance bill which addresses long-standing issues through responsible and progressive investments in the Commonwealth’s transportation system.

During his long service in the House, Speaker DeLeo has been a fierce advocate for those with disabilities, playing a key role in the evolution of disability services for children and adults. Speaker DeLeo led the initiative to remove the ‘R-word’ from the Massachusetts General Laws and was instrumental in establishing the autism insurance bill (ARICA). He has also advanced legislation related to special education law, transition assistance for students, family support including respite care and funding for adult services.

Under Speaker DeLeo’s leadership, the Massachusetts House has worked to improve services for the state’s veterans and military personnel, passing the VALOR ACT I and II in 2012 and 2014. The legislation provides increased property tax relief and enhances employment, educational and health care support services for these individuals and their families.

Previously, Speaker DeLeo brought nationally-heralded legislation that cut health care costs for cities and towns in Massachusetts. The same session, he initiated far-reaching judiciary reorganization legislation in concert with the chief justice of the Supreme Judicial Court.

Prior to his tenure on Beacon Hill, Speaker DeLeo served on the Town of Winthrop’s Board of Selectmen. He has been a fierce advocate for his constituents throughout his years in office, but has shown a particularly strong support for elders. In that spirit, Winthrop’s Council on Aging coordinated with the community to rededicate the Winthrop Senior Center in honor of Speaker DeLeo, renaming it the “Bob DeLeo Senior Center.” Speaker DeLeo’s priorities continue to include job creation, strong fiscal management and improving the safety of Massachusetts’ residents and communities.