Legislative Lens: People and Policy With Rep. Michelle L. Badger
Legislative Lens: People and Policy With Rep. Michelle L. Badger
Podcast Description
Legislative Lens: People and Policy with Rep. Badger takes you behind the scenes of what it’s really like to be a State Representative in the Massachusetts General Court. Hosted by State Rep. Michelle Badger, the representative for the 1st Plymouth District, this podcast offers an insider’s look at how policies are shaped, what legislators can do for you, the people driving change, and how it all impacts the community. In each episode, Rep. Badger invites guests to peel back the curtain and discuss the work being done by the state legislature. Tune in each month for an in-depth, personal perspective on the world of politics and public service.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on political processes, community engagement, and legislative insights, with episodes like the debut discussing Rep. Badger's first 70 days in office and her experiences with filing bills and committee assignments. Themes include transparency in legislation, advocating for constituents, and understanding the complexities of policy-making.
Legislative Lens: People and Policy with Rep. Badger takes you behind the scenes of what it’s really like to be a State Representative in the Massachusetts General Court. Hosted by State Rep. Michelle Badger, the representative for the 1st Plymouth District, this podcast offers an insider’s look at how policies are shaped, what legislators can do for you, the people driving change, and how it all impacts the community. In each episode, Rep. Badger invites guests to peel back the curtain and discuss the work being done by the state legislature. Tune in each month for an in-depth, personal perspective on the world of politics and public service.
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 Ways and Means Committee, who came to the US from Brazil when she was 12, she’s built a life of service in Brockton—as a mom, an attorney, a real estate agent, a former city councillor, and now in her second term as State Representative. She shares her first-hand experience helping craft this year’s House budget.
- Rep. Kathy LaNatra, representing the 12th Plymouth District, returns to the podcast to offer her practical perspective on budgeting, building relationships, and advocating for local communities. She is in her fourth term serving as State Representative and currently serves as the Chair of Federal Funding, Accountability and Policy.
Together, they unpack the timeline, challenges, and strategy behind budget season—from budget hearings and amendment filing to late-night sessions and next steps. Whether you’re a policy enthusiast or just curious about how your tax dollars get allocated, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the budget process works. 
Tune in to learn how your state government works, why it matters, and how you can be part of the process. The Local Seen by Plymouth Area Community Access Television welcomes residents of Plymouth, Pembroke, Kingston, and Duxbury into our studio to produce their own show, podcast, or special to air on our community and YouTube channel. We provide production training and services as a platform for free and uncensored speech. The content herein does not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of The Local Seen’s staff or Board of Directors. If you live or work in one of our four towns, and would like to produce your own content, email community@thelocalseen.media to get started! We’ll see you on The Local Seen! www.thelocalseen.media
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