Podcasts about Governor Baker

Lora M. Pellegrini, ESQ (President & CEO, Massachusetts Association of Health Plans) discusses the role of health plans in the healthcare system and her company's mission to promote high-quality, affordable, and equitable health care in Massachusetts through advocacy, education, and health policy research.

Jim Stroud interviews Jean Eddy, President and CEO of American Student Assistance, about future-proofing the careers of today's college students. Pretty much, why go to college today if AI will be doing the job tomorrow? Other discussion points... The education system needs to redefine what "career success" means for today's learners Students must achieve early access to diverse career paths. Top skills students need to obtain in high school for the jobs of tomorrow Advice for parents who may be concerned about their children pursuing non-traditional educational paths or careers The broader societal impact of reshaping education and career readiness And more... This episode is brought to you by "The Recruiting Life" newsletter: https://jimstroud.beehiiv.com About today's guest: Jean Eddy, President & CEO, American Student Assistance (ASA) Jean Eddy is the President & CEO of American Student Assistance. In 2016, Jean evaluated the organization's purpose to align ASA's strengths with high student impact areas. During Jean's tenure, ASA has pivoted from a 65-year history of helping students with college financing and repayment options to a new focus of helping students discover potential career paths earlier in their education journey. She shifted ASA's focus to help kids–as early as middle school to–know themselves, know their options, and make informed choices about their education and career goals. Jean served on the Board of ASA for 20 years and spent her career in higher education holding numerous senior level positions. Jean is a prior member of the College Board, NASFAA, EASFAA, NACAC & AICAD. Jean served as a trustee for the Providence Foundation & The RI Public Expenditure Council & as president for the RI Assoc. of Student Financial Aid Admin, & Governor Baker's Commission on Digital Innovation & Lifelong Learning. Buy "Crisis Proofing Today's Learners: Reimagining Career Education to Prepare Kids for Tomorrow's World," here: https://www.asa.org/jean-eddys-book/ Visit American Student Assistance here: https://www.asa.org/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ramadan was freed from prison on March 15th 2023, after 51 years of incarceration by  the parole board and finally Governor Baker who commuted his life sentence. A Vietnam vet Shabazz suffered PTSD and drug addiction upon his return from service and got involved in armed robbery that  resulted in the deaths of two innocent people. He was initially sentenced to death. Ramadan Shabazz is a rare success story and a model that proves a person who commits a horrible crime can reform and truly become a model citizen. In 1983, he began his 40-year association with the Parker family. While incarcerated, Ramadan earned his bachelor's degree and master's degree from Boston University. He also participated in programs to assist other prisoners with mental health struggles. Ramadan Shabazz and my friend, Dr. Richard Parker, joined me on the Influence Continuum podcast this week to discuss his life journey and the phenomenal effort to help him be a free man today. This is a heartwarming story which brings much needed light on a prison system that deserves reformation. Learn more about Steven Hassan and Freedom of Mind Resource Center. Visit freedomofmind.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The 2022 Primary Election season is an interesting time, one that will eventually become a very interesting study for future campaigns and political science students. Across the very blue states of New England, including here in Massachusetts, we are winding down our Primary Election season with a majority of our political offices being Democratic-led. But, atleast we have a Republican in our corner office – our governor, Charlie Baker – who has made very sound fiscal policy decisions, putting our state on very solid footing. But despite Governor Baker's efforts, the Democratic party is pushing for a “Millionaire's Tax.” On the surface, a Millionaire's Tax sounds reasonable, but what many democratic leaders and constituents don't realize is – these taxes will eventually impact more than just the 1%.   They will eventually impact the small business owners.   In today's episode, I discuss the impact that a Millionaire's Tax will have on the American people. I discuss why it's important for our political landscape to be balanced between the blue and red parties when creating policies that will impact every American voter. I explain why elections – particularly, the Primary Elections – should be a competitive field where each candidate answers their constituent's questions and debate the issues that matter most to their constituents. I also explain what I believe is the key to achieving a functional government, why I believe our democracy is in trouble, and why voting in the Primary Elections is crucial to reclaim American democracy.   “At the end of the day, in order to have a functioning government, you need people who are in the room and able to fight against the craziness on the other side.” - Jennifer Nassour   This week on Political Contessa:   The pros and cons of a Millionaire's Tax The key to achieving a functional government Why Primary Elections are crucial for American democracy Why elections should be competitive Why I believe American Democracy is in trouble   Awaken Your Inner Political Contessa   Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Political Contessa. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.   Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google Podcasts   Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media. And if you've ever considered running for office – or know a woman who should – head over to politicalcontessa.com to grab my quick guide, Secrets from the Campaign Trail. It will show you five signs to tell you you're ready to enter the political arena.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When passing "vulnerable road users" people driving motor vehicles will need to keep a distance of at least four feet. WBZ's Jim MacKay reports:

The 'Lone Walk' is a solo trip that the Governor takes to reach the base of the steps in front of the State House, symbolizing the Governor's return to being a private citizen. WBZ's Suzanne Sausville reports.

Governor Baker calls in to thank Greg and his audience for all the support over the years

Final preparations underway in Boston for First Night, Governor Baker looks back at the last 8 years in the corner office at the State House and kicking off Winter Classic festivities. Five minutes of news that will keep you in “The Loop."

Howie Carr is joined by Gerald "Tooky" Amirault to discuss the revocation of a pardon from Governor Baker. After eighteen years in prison and nineteen years on parole, he still isn't free. Tooky talks the original case, the litigation, and everything up until now.

In This Episode . . . We are featuring the wonderfully regal Liz Miranda, State Representative 5th Suffolk District, MA House of Representatives. In it, Miranda shares her journey about being an immigrant in the United States, how the killing of her brother shaped her career, and the importance of being an effective political leader in underrepresented communities. Meet Liz Miranda: Liz is best known for leading the police reform bill in Massachusetts to passage and her Social Moniker is Betti! Since elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2020, Elizabeth "Liz" Miranda has served as State Representative for the 5th Suffolk District of Roxbury and Dorchester. Representative Miranda currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement, and serves on the Joint Committee(s) on Community Development and Small Businesses, Public Safety and Homeland Security, and Veterans and Federal Affairs. In her first term, Representative Miranda has filed and passed legislation to reimagine public safety, improve racial disparities in maternal health, promote environmental justice within disproportionately impacted communities, and ensure a just recovery for micro-to-small businesses most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, she was the first legislator in the Commonwealth to establish a district-led community care program which connected 3,000 vulnerable residents with support and resources. As a result of Rep. Miranda's Covid Vaccine Equity Bill, Governor Baker implemented nearly all of the core tenants of the legislation- reimagining health to include socioeconomic determinants. As the daughter of Cabo Verdean immigrants, Representative Miranda has been a tireless advocate for immigrant rights, while leading the fight for an equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to serving in the Massachusetts Legislature, Representative Miranda was a non-profit executive, entrepreneur, and community organizer, which began as a teen living in the Dudley triangle. In 2017, Representative Miranda lost her 28-year-old brother, Michael Miranda, to gun violence. After her decades long advocacy for gun violence prevention, losing her brother was a catalyst in her entrance to electoral politics. Her lived experience and commitment to community propels her fight for immigrant rights, criminal legal system reform, improved black maternal health outcomes, and economic justice. Her professional roles have included serving as the Executive Director for the Hawthorne Youth and Community Center and Director of Youth Opportunity Development at Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative (DSNI). Rep. Miranda's career has aimed to build resident-led leadership and advocacy for youth development, violence prevention, and economic justice. Representative Miranda is a Wellesley College alumna and proud graduate of Boston Public Schools, graduating from the John D O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Boston Alumnae Chapter, and the Wellesley Club of Boston. Episode Highlights: (10:04) Demand more and demand better; (12:03) Leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility; (17:59) Being a little too much in leadership; Connect with Liz: Email: liz@lizmiranda.com Website: https://lizmiranda.com Instagram: @replizmiranda Episode Resources: For more Management Mastery head over to Kish Camp (

Racist graffiti targeting the principal discovered at Quincy High, Governor Baker finds a new job and a local comedian returns to his Dunkin-less home. Five minutes of news that will keep you in “The Loop."

Gerald "Tooky" Amirault and his sister Cheryl have dealt with accusations of minor assault since the 1980s, and now, Governor Baker will prolong the lack of peace for the two. Howie is far too hesitant to say they might be guilty, after all, the testimony of kids makes him think of the witch trials.

Governor Baker accepts an offer to lead the NCAA, Tufts University evacuates buildings after receiving a bomb threat for the second consecutive day and a new Brighton bakery celebrates its roots. Five minutes of news that will keep you in “The Loop.”

The Fed raises a key interest rate again. Governor Baker withdraws his request to pardon those convicted in the Fells Acre child sex abuse case. A different kind of thrifting opportunity in western Mass. 5 minutes of news that will keep you in The Loop.

Governor Baker says its time for the country to move on from Donald Trump. Jay Leno suffers serious burns from a car fire in his garage. Two new studies show your car's technology drastically reduces the number of crashes on American highways. 5 minutes of news that will keep you in The Loop.

Governor-Elect Maura Healey visits Governor Baker at the State House today, control of Congress is still up in the air and more layoffs in the tech world today. Five minutes of news that will keep you in “The Loop.”

MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak says he's resigning January 3rd. Governor Baker appeals for federal help, dealing with a flood of migrants. Suspended Celtics coach Ime Udoka could be headed to Brooklyn. 5 minutes of news that will keep you in The Loop.

The impact of copay accumulator policies can create additional financial difficulties for patients by limiting payments that count toward their annual deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. As a result, millions of patients who are already struggling with the financial and physical toll of their condition may delay care or stop taking their medication altogether leading to worsening health. “Copay accumulator adjusters are a program used by insurance companies to force patients to take medications that they determine are cheaper for them. And, in reality, it's actually just cheaper for the insurance company,” says Corey Greenblatt, Senior Manager of Policy and Advocacy at GHLF. Our guests, JP Summers, Patient Advocate and Community Outreach Manager at GHLF, and Corey, tell us more about their advocacy efforts and about their support for the bipartisan bill called the HELP Copays Act. Among the highlights in this episode: 1:24: Listener comment 1:56: H.4929, a step therapy protection law, was passed by both the Massachusetts House and Senate in October after being introduced for the first time over five years ago 2:37: “Governor Baker has 10 days to sign this bill; otherwise, it will die and it would need to be repassed next year,” says Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director of Community Outreach at GHLF 2:50: Results from a recent GHLF COVID-19 Patient Support Program quick poll shows that most respondents will be celebrating the holidays in person with only 5 percent canceling plans or celebrating virtually 3:30: Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF, gives some tips to stay safe this holiday season 5:42: JP Summers describes her – and Corey Greenblatt's – participation to the virtual advocacy event: All Copays Count Coalition Hill Day 6:54: What are copay accumulators? 8:47: The HELP Copays Act explained 9:27: A look back at JP Summers' chronic illness journey and how the HELP Copays Act could impact her and other patients if passed 11:35: Are there bills similar to the HELP Copays Act at the state level? 12:18: How patients can get involved and advocate for themselves 12:59: What goes through an advocate's mind when meeting with elected officials? 15:38: What our hosts learned from this episode Contact Our Hosts Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director, Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to thehealthadvocates@ghlf.org Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Baker held a ceremonial signing of the bill at the Boston Museum of Science. WBZ's Drew Moholland has more:

A makeover is planned for America's first public park, six states sue over the student loan forgiveness plan and Governor Baker is once again named the most popular. Five minutes of news that will keep you in "The Loop."

Governor Baker announces plans for temporary housing for the migrants on Martha's Vineyard, a bomb threat to a local hospital leads to an arrest and the last weekday commute with no Orange Line. Five minutes of news that will keep you in "The Loop."

The 2022 Primary Election season is an interesting time, one that will eventually become a very interesting study for future campaigns and political science students. Across the very blue states of New England, including here in Massachusetts, we are winding down our Primary Election season with a majority of our political offices being Democratic-led. But, atleast we have a Republican in our corner office – our governor, Charlie Baker – who has made very sound fiscal policy decisions, putting our state on very solid footing. But despite Governor Baker's efforts, the Democratic party is pushing for a “Millionaire's Tax.” On the surface, a Millionaire's Tax sounds reasonable, but what many democratic leaders and constituents don't realize is – these taxes will eventually impact more than just the 1%. They will eventually impact the small business owners. In today's episode, I discuss the impact that a Millionaire's Tax will have on the American people. I discuss why it's important for our political landscape to be balanced between the blue and red parties when creating policies that will impact every American voter. I explain why elections – particularly, the Primary Elections – should be a competitive field where each candidate answers their constituent's questions and debate the issues that matter most to their constituents. I also explain what I believe is the key to achieving a functional government, why I believe our democracy is in trouble, and why voting in the Primary Elections is crucial to reclaim American democracy. “At the end of the day, in order to have a functioning government, you need people who are in the room and able to fight against the craziness on the other side.” - Jennifer Nassour This week on Political Contessa: The pros and cons of a Millionaire's Tax The key to achieving a functional government Why Primary Elections are crucial for American democracy Why elections should be competitive Why I believe American Democracy is in trouble Awaken Your Inner Political Contessa Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Political Contessa. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google Podcasts Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media. And if you've ever considered running for office – or know a woman who should – head over to politicalcontessa.com to grab my quick guide, Secrets from the Campaign Trail. It will show you five signs to tell you you're ready to enter the political arena.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Baker orders flags to fly at half staff in memory of The Queen, health officials announce a new West Nile Virus case and pumpkin spice treats for your four legged friend. Five minutes of news that will keep you in "The Loop."

Election officials hope the rain doesn't keep primary voters away. Governor Baker says the FTA can help the state with oversight of the MBTA. There's a push to help the endangered right whale, by not eating lobster. 5 minutes of news that will keep you in The Loop.

Governor Charlie Baker visited construction work on the MBTA Orange Line during the month-long shutdown. WBZ's Karyn Regal has more.

Today we talk to Mallory Hanora from Families for Justice as Healing. They have been working toward a 5-year prison moratorium, organizing thousands of people in marches, canvassing, phonebanking, and more. The State House waited until the end of the session to pass the bill, and no surprise -- it was vetoed by Governor Baker. Now unless the House comes back for a special session, this 2-year cycle of lawmaking is over, and Baker's veto will stand. https://www.justiceashealing.org/Jordan Berg Powers and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 54.   You can watch the video version here.You're listening to Incorruptible Massachusetts. Our goal is to help people understand state politics: we investigate why it's so broken, imagine what we could have here in MA if we fixed it, and report on how you can get involved. To stay informed:* Subscribe to our YouTube channel* Subscribe to the podcast (https://incorruptible-mass.buzzsprout...)* Sign up to get updates at https://www.incorruptiblemass.org/

A dramatic boat rescue in Boston Harbor, Governor Baker asks state lawmakers to invest in school safety programs and seeking out the region's best Oktoberfest spot. Five minutes of news that will keep you in "The Loop."

These strategies were developed through extensive literature reviews and dialogues with experts who have successfully reduced the use of S/R in a variety of mental health settings for children and adults across the United States and internationally.Dr. Kevin Ann Huckshorn is the Executive Vice President-Northeast Region, for Recovery Innovations International. She is responsible for RI onsite operations in DE, VA, OH, and MD; , engaging in consultation work for the organization; progressing new program implementation efforts; participating in contract negotiations; and operating within a state or regional leadership role when needed.Dr. Huckshorn' s most recent past position was as the Director of Evidence-based Practices and Programs for WellPath Recovery Solutions, Inc. She was the past hospital director for Bridgewater State Hospital in MA where she and that team transitioned a prison for adult men with serious mental illnesses to a state hospital directed by trauma-informed care and recovery-based practices, under the direction of Governor Baker, MA DOC and Wellpath (2017-2019). Dr. Huckshorn was also the past State Director of Delaware's Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (2009-2015) and led the successful resolution of the USDOJ Olmstead settlement agreement with the state. From 2001 to 2009, Huckshorn was the Director of the National Technical Assistance Center for State Mental Health Planning for NASMHPD. Kevin is a licensed and certified mental health nurse and substance abuse clinician with practical knowledge from 42 years of professional frontline experience working in a variety of public and private mental health organizations and substance abuse programs. She has extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient program development including peer-run projects; psychiatric rehabilitation treatment programs for persons with serious mental illness; and recovery-based mental health and substance abuse services. She is published on topics including violence, treatment adherence, and workforce development; serves on the editorial board of a U.S. peer reviewed nursing mental health journal; authored a number of textbook chapters on violence reduction and co-authored a book with William Anthony, PhD titled “Principled Leadership in Mental Health Systems and Programs" (2008). Dr. Huckshorn was the past Director of the Office of Technical Assistance for the National Association for State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) and the National Coordinating Center for Seclusion and Restraint Reduction where she led the development of an evidence-based model to prevent violence and the use of seclusion and restraint (2001-2021). This EBP has been adopted in over 35 states and six countries to date. Support the show

Hour 2 Sports gambling was signed into law by Governor Baker yesterday, but how long will it take to actually start making bets? The gang wagers when they expect to see online and in person sportsbooks available to the public and agree it will likely happen at the end of the year. Kevin Durant reveals that the Celtics are a landing spot he would like to see if dealt by the Nets. Durant is interested in playing with the Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Smart, but the Nets will only sacrifice KD to the C's if they get Smart in return. And as the Pats gear up for the Giants in preseason, the gang reviews all the quarterbacks the New York Football Giants missed out on to get to Daniel Jones.

Record-breaking heat in Boston. Vice President Kamala Harris visits Massachusetts. State regulators warn it would be a while before legal sports betting happens, if Governor Baker signs the bill. 5 minutes of news that will keep you in The Loop.

The Commonwealth recently passed state legislation protecting abortion rights, codifying several measures taken in Governor Baker's executive order following the Supreme Court's decision. WBZ's Karyn Regal reports.

The sports betting bill now just needs Governor Baker's signature. Democrats are a step closer to passing the biggest climate bill ever. A Texas man gets more than 7 years for his part in the Capitol riot. 5 minutes of news that will keep you in The Loop.

Federal authorities order a safety stand down at the MBTA. Governor Baker signs the bill protecting abortion access in Massachusetts. A Marblehead man builds cigar box guitars to help him cope with trauma. 5 minutes of news that will keep you in The Loop.

Governor Baker puts pen to paper and signs off on the state budget, Elton John serenades Foxborough and chasing a big prize off the coast of Gloucester. Five minutes of news that will keep you in "The Loop."

Governor Baker signs the Crown Act into law, who said STD's are fine as long as you catch it from your man.

Climate activists rally in favor of the environmental bill on Governor Baker's desk, communities declare water emergencies as the drought continues and the Mega Millions jackpot is up for grabs. Five minutes of news that will keep you in "The Loop."

An MBTA Orange Line train caught on fire while approaching Somerville's Assembly Station and chaos erupted as passengers kicked through windows and jumped out of the train with one woman even jumping off the bridge the train was on and into the Mystic River below. Governor Baker called the fire a “colossal failure” by the MBTA. The co-chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation, Representative William Straus said, “The T, as an organization, isn't necessarily worth saving.” Dan spoke with Representative Straus about the current state of the MBTA.

7/21/2022-- This week is a scorcher! Jenn and Steve start the show off chatting about this extreme heat. There's talk of water restrictions in the Commonwealth within the next few weeks. Ironically enough, President Biden is in Mass this week talking about climate change. It also doesn't look like T service will be improving anytime soon. A shortage of dispatchers will continue to be a hurdle. State legislators passed a $52 billion budget to Governor Baker's desk on Sunday night. Once again Massachusetts is the only state left with a fiscal year that starts on July 1 where a budget has yet to be finalized. Mike Deehan, co-author at Axios Boston, joins the pod to break down the state budget. He also helps break down Taco Bell's brief roll-out of the Cheez-It Tostada. Later, Boston Globe reporter, Catherine Carlock joins us to discuss what the Supreme Judicial Court concluded last week about Boston's municipal harbor plan and what it could mean for the rest of the state.

6/30/2022--This week on The Horse Race, Jenn and Steve unpacking the whirlwind of a news week that just was. Before diving into national news, a statewide race changed drastically this week when state senator and gubernatorial candidate Sonia Chang-Diaz dropped out of the race. She told reporters there was no reasonable path to victory, and she'll instead turn her focus to supporting down-ballot candidates with similar progressive views. Chang-Diaz's withdrawal makes Maura Healey the sole standing Democratic candidate for Governor. The Supreme Court on Friday overturned Roe v. Wade, prompting Governor Baker to immediately sign an executive order protecting access to reproductive health care services in the state. The order would protect providers who perform these services for out-of-state patients seeking the procedures in Massachusetts. Planned Parenthood has already reported an uptick in demand for services here in Massachusetts from people coming out of state. Finally, reporter Sam Gross of The Boston Globe stops by to talk to Steve about a law that will allow undocumented immigrants to apply for drivers licenses in Massachusetts. The legislature passed it into law earlier this month, and then voted to override Gov. Baker's veto. Now, opponents of the new law have formed a ballot question committee and are collecting signatures to try to put the issue before voters in the fall.

Jim launches his campaign to undo the terrible new law that allows illegal immigrants to get MA driver's licenses. With the MA legislature overturning Governor Baker's veto, Jim is taking the matter to the people by attempting to get a repeal vote on the ballot this November. He and Jon outline the reasons why this issue affects all citizens of the Commonwealth, regardless of party affiliation. They also discuss how laws like this prove that the radical left is controlling our state government.

Today's January 6th hearing ends on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers are holding Governor Baker's feet to the fire over the MBTA. Mayor Wu says the search for a new Superintendent of Schools is almost over. 5 minutes of news that will keep you in The Loop.

The Massachusetts House voted to override Governor Baker's veto of the Work and Family Mobility Act, which enables all state residents to apply for a driver's license regardless of immigration status. Now, state Republicans are spearheading an effort to undo the new law by beginning the process of putting a question on November's ballot that would ask voters to repeal the measure. Leading GOP candidate for governor, Geoff Diehl and Maureen Maloney, chairwoman for the new committee Fair and Secure Massachusetts join Dan to discuss.

Rain should wash away all the pollen around here. Governor Baker urges Washington lawmakers to come up with gun control legislation. World leaders are discussing the costs of climate change. 5 minutes of news that will keep you in The Loop.

Governor Baker insists the MBTA is safe. Senator Ed Markey demands Congress act now on gun safety. Former Trump aide Peter Navarro is indicted for defying a congressional subpoena. 5 minutes of news that will keep you in The Loop.

Today the MA House met to vote on new cannabis reform bills. One bill in particular, if passed, would pave the way for about 12 communities in the Commonwealth to allow licensed cannabis cafes as part of a 3-year pilot program. The MA Senate already passed this reform bill back in April. If the House approves the bill, it could be on Governor Baker's desk this summer. How would you like a cannabis café in your town or neighborhood?

The Supreme Court appears to be ready to overturn Roe V. Wade, Governor Baker spends the day in the nation's capitol and the Bruins are rocked by the Hurricanes in game 1 of the playoffs. Five minutes of news that will keep you in "The Loop."

4/14/2022-- The Masachusetts House of Representatives released their FY 2023 budget proposal this week, and friends of the pod as well as State House News Service reporters Katie Lannan and Chris Lisinski are here to break down the line items as well as the differences in budget priorities between Governor Baker and the House and Senate. Chris and Katie also dive into the news of a union in the works among Senate staffers who say they are seeking pay equity and a culture change in their workplace. Plus, a new study finds an uptick in the number of reporters covering state houses across the country.

State Representative Tackey Chan, D - MA 2nd Norfolk District, speaks about the cybersecurity threat from Russia, the state of the pandemic here and abroad, Governor Baker's proposed tax cuts, and new legislation banning discrimination based on hair styles.

We have some real debate this week about developments in China and Russia and how the United States has responded to each (6:17-58:05). We then return to Massachusetts politics to analyze the effect of Governor Baker not seeking a third term (58:20-1:19:42), before concluding by discussing the tragic school shooting in Michigan and the life and times of Senator Bob Dole (1:19:57-1:35:25).