Legislative Lens: People and Policy With Rep. Michelle L. Badger

In this episode of  Legislative Lens: People and Policy , State Representative Michelle Badger sits down with Theresa Harmon, Founder and Executive Director of To the Moon and Back, to discuss the impact of prenatal opioid exposure on children and families across Massachusetts.   Together, they explore what perinatal opioid exposure is, common misconceptions about children affected by substance ex...

In Episode 15 of Legislative Lens: People and Policy , State Representative Michelle Badger takes a deep dive into tourism—one of the most important drivers of Plymouth's economy.   Joined by Representative Sean Garballey, Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development, and Keiko Orrall, President and CEO of See Plymouth, this episode explores how policy, partnerships, and...

In this episode of Legislative Lens: People and Policy with Rep. Badget , we talk with Vanessa Weisbrod of the Celiac Disease Foundation to discuss celiac disease—what it is, how it's diagnosed, and the challenges individuals and families face living with the disease. The conversation highlights the importance of early detection, increased awareness, and access to safe food, particularly in school...

In this special Women's History Month episode of  Legislative Lens: People and Policy , we explore how women's leadership is shaping policy and strengthening communities across Massachusetts — from Beacon Hill to Plymouth County.   In the first half of the episode, Representative Christine Barber joins the podcast to discuss the role and impact of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators, whi...

This episode of  Legislative Lens: People and Policy  focuses on how Plymouth is preparing for the impacts of climate change and building a more resilient future. Plymouth's Climate Resiliency and Sustainability Planner, Mike Cahill, and State  Representative Kathy LaNatra, House Chair of the Coastal Caucus, join the conversation to discuss local climate challenges, regional collaboration, and leg...

In this special episode of  Legislative Lens: People and Policy , I am joined by four fellow first-year State Representatives for a candid conversation about what it is really like to serve during your first year in office. We reflect on what surprised us most, the lessons we learned, the challenges we faced, and the moments that made us proud—both at the State House and in our districts.   This e...

In this episode of Legislative Lens: People and Policy, State Representative Michelle Badger spotlights the Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management, tasked with reviewing legislation related to the Commonwealth's readiness and resilience. She speaks with Chair Steven Ultrino, about the workings of the committee, importance of the work, and how it impacts the commonwealth as a whol...

In this episode of Legislative Lens: People and Policy , State Representative Michelle Badger spotlights the Joint Committee on Higher Education. She speaks with Chair Dave Rogers about the major issues shaping colleges and universities across Massachusetts — from affordability to campus infrastructure and key legislation like the Bright Act.  Rep. Badger then brings the conversation home with Mas...

In this episode of  Legislative Lens: People and Policy , Rep.  Michelle   Badger continues her committee spotlight series with a focus on the Joint Committee on Housing.  Chair Rich Haggerty and Vice Chair Andrianne Ramos share the committee's mission and priorities for this session, followed by a local perspective from Plymouth's Planning & Development Director Lee Hartmann and builder Matt Sher...

In this first two-part episode of  Legislative Lens: People and Policy , we take a closer look at how the unpredictability of federal funding—and the current administration's approach to distributing resources—affects communities across Massachusetts and right here in Plymouth.   This episode also kicks off a special four-part series featuring conversations with the Chairs of the four committees I...

With the new school year approaching, we take a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities facing our local public schools. I was joined by Dr. Chris Campbell, Superintendent of Plymouth Public Schools, and Luis Pizano, Chair of the Plymouth School Committee, for an honest conversation about the state of education in Plymouth. From rising transportation costs and budget pressures to legislati...

Ever wondered what it's really like to intern at the Massachusetts State House? In this episode of Legislative Lens: People and Policy, we sit down with our own State House interns, Maeve and Carter, to hear their stories, reflections, and behind-the-scenes insights.  From learning the ropes in the State House to discovering the variety of work that is done in a State Reps Office, they share what...

In this episode of  Legislative Lens: People and Policy , we take a behind-the-scenes look at the crucial, but often overlooked, role that committees play in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.  Host  Michelle  Badger is joined by Rep. Mark Sylvia, a freshman legislator, and Rep. Sean Garballey, Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development.  Together, they unpack...

In this episode of Legislative Lens: People and Policy , host  Michelle   Badger  dives into the heart of the Massachusetts state budget process, focusing on how the House of Representatives shapes the budget, advocates for district priorities, and collaborates across the Commonwealth.   Michelle  is joined by two experienced and insightful colleagues: Rep. Rita Mendes of Brockton, a member of the...

In the second episode of  Legislative Lens: People and Policy , State Rep. Michelle Badger of the 1st Plymouth District introduces listeners to the vital work that State Reps do to support their constituents. Having just completed her first 101 days in office, Rep. Badger shares her passion for transparency and making state government accessible to the people it serves.   The episode focuses on co...

In this debut episode of  Legislative Lens: People and Policy with Rep.  Michelle   Badger , host Rep.  Michelle   Badger  takes listeners behind the scenes of the Massachusetts State House as she reflects on her first 70 days as a new state representative. Joined by Rep. Kathy LaNatra, a seasoned legislator from the 12th Plymouth District, the two dive into the whirlwind experience of starting a...