Podcasts about massinc polling group

This week, it's a double housing policy polling special from the MassINC Polling Group. Jenn interviews Jesse Kanson-Benanav of Abundant Housing Massachusetts about a new poll MPG conducted for them, finding that majorities of Massachusetts voters support most policies to build more housing. Then, Steve and Jenn talk to Olivia Wine of MPG about a recent report on the experiences of tenants and landlords in the Massachusetts state housing voucher program (MRVP). For the Abundant Housing poll: https://www.massincpolling.com/our-work/new-poll-voters-across-massachusetts-support-building-more-housing-in-their-own-neighborhoodsnbsp For the MRVP report: https://www.massincpolling.com/our-work/tenants-and-landlords-both-give-massachusetts-rental-voucher-program-good-marks-but-administrative-hurdles-pose-a-challenge For video of the MRVP report release event: https://www.tbf.org/news-and-insights/videos/2025/may/voices-of-experience-recap

This week on The Horse Race, Steve and Jenn discuss a MassINC Polling Group survey that asked nonprofit workers and leaders what impacts they expect the Trump administration to have on their organizations and the communities they serve. Plus, a look at competing internal polls from gubernatorial candidates. MPG conducted the nonprofit survey for the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network and the Boston Foundation, which also hosted an event on May 5 for nonprofit leaders to hear and discuss the results. For the full results, as well as a video recording of the event, visit this link: https://www.massincpolling.com/our-work/40ls2wra074r1sola48s94ojwt0lm2

This week on The Horse Race, Steve and Jenn are joined by John Gee of The MassINC Polling Group to discuss new MPG polling on how Massachusetts voters are feeling about national politics right now. Then, Jenn tells us about her reporting on the intertwined climate and housing crisis on the Cape and Islands, part of CommonWealth Beacon's Climate Month.

This week on The Horse Race, Steve and Jenn are joined by Rich Parr to discuss new polling on transportation in Massachusetts from The MassINC Polling Group, and Jenn explains how federal funding cuts are affecting fair housing organizations. Stick to the end for our co-hosts' perspectives on "the group chat situation."

This week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela is joined by Senior Research Director of the MassINC Polling Group and Horse Race Western Mass correspondent Rich Parr. They discuss polling on President Trump's executive orders, and overall approval rating. Plus, a look ahead at Josh Kraft's bid for Boston mayor.

This week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith are joined by Senior Research Director of the MassINC Polling Group and Horse Race Western Mass correspondent Rich Parr to unpack trends in voter turnout. Then, Boston Globe Reporter Tiana Woodruff shares her perspective on the rightward shift among some Black voters.

This week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith unpack results and polling from the 2024 Presidential Election. They're joined by Senior Research Director of the MassINC Polling Group and Horse Race Western Mass correspondent Rich Parr to discuss demographic and regional voter trends to the right. Plus, how did the ballot questions' outcomes compare to polling predictions?

This week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith share their thoughts on the role of AI in local journalism, and comment on the Melrose Robocast. Plus, Senior Research Director of the MassINC Polling Group and Horse Race Western Mass correspondent Rich Parr discusses reasons polls can be wrong.

Steve Koczela of MassINC Polling Group, along with Commonwealth Beacon reporter Gin Dumcius, join Radio Boston to discuss a new WBUR poll.

This week on The Horse Race, Rich Parr of the MassINC Polling Group discusses a new survey of Massachusetts residents and how they're feeling about their transportation experiences. Plus, Jennifer Smith and Steve Koczela run through the Massachusetts angles on the shakeup in the Democratic presidential primary, and hurtle through the latest on Beacon Hill.

This week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith are joined by CommonWealth Beacon reporter Gin Dumcius to discuss the state of the presidential race, and in particular a poll of Massachusetts delegates to the Democratic convention by CommonWealth Beacon and the MassINC Polling Group.

To learn more about how the candidates' spoke about issues that will impact voters here in Massachusetts, WBUR's Morning Edition host Rupa Shenoy talked to MassInc Polling Group's Steve Koczela.

Steve Koczela of MassINC Polling Group and Lisa Kashinsky of Politico join Radio Boston to talk about the potential impacts of Donald Trump's felony conviction on the presidential election. 

This week on The Horse Race, Jennifer Smith asks Zayna Basma-Doyle of the MassINC Polling Group what Massachusetts parents know and don't know about early childhood reading instruction. Meanwhile, Jennifer and Lisa Kashinsky lament the latest findings about local news consumption, and sort through the legal arguments between the AG's office and Uber and Lyft.

A recent survey conducted in the state of Massachusetts has unveiled immigration as the primary concern for the locals. The survey was carried out by the MassINC Polling Group. A total of 1,002 residents participated in the survey, voicing their concerns, as they were asked to pin-point the most vital issue the state is currently dealing with. Respondents were also given the opportunity to freely express their thoughts on the matter. Of those who participated, there was a strong consensus about immigration as the critical issue currently facing Massachusetts. 21% of residents indicated that they see immigration and migrants as the chief obstacles confronting the Bay State. The second highest concern, housing, trailed behind immigration by 6%, being designated as the primary issue by 15% of residents. The survey also revealed fiscal aspects like taxes, and the allocation and distribution of funds through government spending and welfare as major concerns. This topic cornered the third position in terms of the most concerning issues as perceived by residents, accounting for 12% of the votes. The issue of inflation and the cost of living registered equal importance in third place with an equal 12%. Upon analyzing the responses, it was observed that nearly seven out of every ten interviewees, representing 67% of the populace, expressed a significantly high degree of concern over immigration. Of these, 28% considered it outright as a 'crisis', whereas 39% saw it as a 'major problem'. The intensity of the issue resonated deeply with the Democrats who showed significant apprehension over the concern. Interestingly, it came to light that immigration emerged among the top 10 most crucial issues, as perceived by the polled Massachusetts residents, for the very first time in August 2023. At the time, it ranked fourth when 10% of the respondents labeled it as the prime predicament for the state known for its rich history. The aforementioned survey results correlate strongly with nationwide tendencies. Around 36% of the electorate nationwide labeled immigration as the country's most challenging concern, while issues surrounding inflation occupied the second spot on this nationwide list. Notably, the situation of Massachusetts appears to reflect the wider American sentiment. Incorporating another significant perspective, the Harvard-Harris poll results showed President Joe Biden's lowest approval rating falling in the domain of immigration. This trend hasn't been a temporary blip, rather it has been dominant for four successive months. Such details provide additional insight into the gravity of the concern. As the poll data continues to suggest, the U.S. is faced with a formidable challenge at the southern boundary. Border officials have documented roughly 9 million encounters nationwide and an estimated 1.7 million successful unauthorized crossings since the start of President Joe Biden's term. This data stands in stark contrast to what was observed during President Trump's tenure. More specifically, a total of 415,000 unauthorized entries were recorded for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020 combined. The current figures point to a significantly increased volume of such activities, raising an eyebrow to immigration as a particularly critical issue. The immigration concern, thus, has taken on an eminent importance not only in Massachusetts but across the United States. This finding adds a crucial piece to the puzzle as lawmakers are trying to build up a clear picture of present-day challenges. As they address these issues, they will need to navigate both local and national interests to build effective solutions. As the country looks forward, it will have to grapple with these increasingly complex issues in an effective and efficient manner. The rising concerns represented in the poll underscore the necessity of bringing in practical solutions to this challenging scenario. It's clear based on the survey that the citizens hope for robust solutions that respect the nation's values while addressing their primary concerns. There is no question that a balance must be sought between meeting the humanitarian needs of those seeking a new life in the United States and ensuring the welfare and security of the existing residents. There are no simple solutions here, biases must be put aside and a comprehensive, fair, and firm immigration policy needs to be pursued. While the importance of housing, taxes, government spending, and welfare cannot be underplayed, the ongoing dialogue on immigration seems to be in the driving seat for the residents. The survey entailed an important conclusion that these varying concerns interlink and affect one another in defining the overall well-being of the Bay State. The urgency of immigration concerns can be a driving force for change if reflected in the relevant policies. It necessitates a deep dive into the nuances of the problem and requires planning and implementing policies that uphold law and order while appreciating the human facets of immigration. While majority of the citizens have expressed concerns, it also reminds those at the helm that ensuing solutions that respect both law and diversity can go a long way in winning the people's trust and support. The mandate from Massachusetts has clearly underscored the gravity of the situation, and it's indeed the time to listen and act on such inducing insights. In conclusion, the narrative that emerges from the poll will greatly contribute to shaping future discussions and policies over immigration in Massachusetts, and by extension, the United States. It firmly underlines that a major share of our contemporary concerns are anchored around the issue of immigration. As the findings spread to the larger populace, it shall champion the cause of deploying strategic interventions to bridge the focal areas of concern within the framework of democratic foundations and principles. Real News Now Website Connect with Real News Now on Social Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealNewsNowApp/ X Twitter: https://twitter.com/realnewsapp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realnews/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realnewsnowapp Threads: https://www.threads.net/@realnews/ Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/realnewsnow Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@RealNews YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@realnewsnowapp End Wokeness: https://endthewokeness.com #realnewsnowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, abortion rights were pushed into a blazing spotlight. The intense fallout from the 2022 decision resulted in new state-sponsored legal limits to abortion access as well as the successful blocking of would-be abortion bans in states like Kansas. Despite the highly charged ongoing national debate about abortion, national surveys show Americans' attitudes remain about the same. A new poll of Bay State residents by GBH and Commonwealth Beacon conducted by the MassINC Polling Group echoes the national polling. MaryRose Mazzola from the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts told Under the Radar she has seen an influx of out-of-state patients since the overturning of Roe v. Wade. She said new abortion bans, “force people to travel or they force people to seek other options and figure this out on their own.”Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will soon rule on how Americans can access mifepristone — a major abortion medication and method used by nearly two-thirds of all who seek abortions. Arizona's highest court ruled earlier this week that an 1864 law banning abortion is now enforceable.Amelia Bonow from Shout Your Abortion argues that the prevalence of abortion is more than what it seems from public opinion polls. “We all know a lot of people who have had abortions,” said Bonow on Under the Radar. “One in three women has at least one abortion in their lifetime and that is a consistent statistic across demographics race, class.”The stigma around abortion is what fuels the national debate says Erin O'Brien, a political science professor from UMass Boston.“The more that Massachusetts and other states can do to talk about how normative of an experience abortion is, that's better for politics and reproductive health for all women, regardless of whether they choose to have an abortion,” said O'Brien.GUESTSErin O'Brien, associate professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts Boston. MaryRose Mazzola, chief external affairs officer for Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. Amelia Bonow, executive director of Shout Your Abortion, an abortion rights advocacy organization. 

This week on The Horse Race, Katie Lannan of GBH News joins Steve Koczela, Jennifer Smith, and Lisa Kashinsky to discuss a new poll out from GBH, CommonWealth Beacon, and the MassINC Polling Group. Plus, what to watch for in the MA House leadership budget proposal.

This week on The Horse Race, it's a polling extravaganza, as Jenn and Steve talk with the MassINC Polling Group's Rich Parr about controversies in poll-land, the Massachusetts public's transportation opinions and experiences, and a recent national poll of youth.

Are we a beacon? This week on The Codcast, CommonWealth Beacon's Michael Jonas is joined by Steve Koczela of the MassINC Polling Group and Erin O'Brien of UMass Boston to discuss new polling data on how Massachusetts residents see the Commonwealth relative to other states, and relative to 20 years ago.

This week on The Horse Race, the MassINC Polling Group's Rich Parr breaks down a new survey on MBTA-area transit habits and opinions, Jenn and Lisa react to the latest prelim results, and Steve pitches a hot take on firetrucks.

This week on The Horse Race, we've got a fire at the State House, floods in New England, and pandemic era policies to discuss. Commonwealth Magazine's Jennifer Smith breaks it all down with special guest host Katie Lannan. MassINC Polling Group's Rich Parr joins as well.

This week on The Horse Race, we're looking at elections. They weren't races so much, but they were elections as strictly defined. We'll also sift through a new survey of Boston Public School parents by MassINC Polling Group and The Shah Family Foundation. Some of the findings may surprise you. Finally, Jennifer Smith tells us about legislation that would allow undocumented immigrant students to pay in-state tuition at state colleges and universities.

This week on The Horse Race, it's buses and trains the whole way through! We've got transit on the brain and political shenanigans in New Hampshire on the menu. TransitMatters' Jarred Johnson stops by to talk all things MBTA, then we discuss the new RTA survey from MassINC Polling Group with MPG Senior Research Director Rich Parr.

Rev. Kevin Peterson, Boston activist & founder of New Democracy Coalition, joined Dan to address what safety measures might be needed in Boston Public Schools. Dan spoke on NightSide about MassINC Polling Group's recent poll that showed most BPS parents are in favor of increased police presence and metal detectors in schools. Peterson shared his thoughts on what he believes is needed in BPS.

The MassINC Polling Group conducted a poll of 828 Boston district parents and asked their opinion on public safety in schools. The poll found that a majority of Black, Asian, and Latino parents either strongly supported or somewhat supported metal detectors in schools. Dan broke down the full results of the poll and asked listeners their opinion on what safety measures are needed in Boston Public Schools.

This week on The Horse Race, Marty Walsh is shipping back to Boston to run the NHLPA. A new poll of Massachusetts voters from MassINC Polling Group shows some concerning numbers for top Democratic leaders. And a key lawmaker looks to end term limits for the state's Senate President.

This week on The Horse Race, municipal elections are coming and that means an interesting choice on mail-in ballots. Also, we have a new poll from MassINC Polling Group and Amplify Latinx on the challenges facing Latino residents in Massachusetts. Then Steve sits down with Amplify Latinx President and CEO Eneida Román to talk about the findings. And oh yeah, The Bachelor is back!

This week on The Horse Race, we have a new state-wide poll about the challenges facing parents and students as they try to recover academically after COVID. The poll was conducted by MassINC Polling Group for EdTrust and The Barr Foundation. Then, we'll preview the year ahead in Massachusetts politics with two local reporters; Mike Deehan from Axios Boston and Katie Lannan from GBH.

12/8/22-- This week on The Horse Race we're talking crypto and BPS parents. The team does a rapid fire news update in the intro, following up on the rail strike, the opening of the Green Line extension, and Mayor Wu and Gov. Elect Healey's first sit-down. Later, Stephanie Murray. alum of The Horse Race, drops by the pod to give us a crypto lesson. She explains what happened with the collapse of FTX and walks us through the Massachusetts connections. Then, Poll Maestro Steve walks us through a new poll from the MassINC Polling Group that surveyed Boston Public School parents.

10/20/22-- This week on The Horse Race the team finishes up the ballot question round-up! Before that, Steve and Jenn run through a new MassINC Polling Group transportation poll that covers everything from statewide elections to the state of the T. This week we take a deeper look at ballot question 4 on driver's license eligibility. The ballot measure would keep or repeal a law passed earlier this summer allowing all residents of the state regardless of immigration status to apply for driver's licenses and learner's permits if they meet all standard qualifications. We're joined first by State Senator Lydia Edwards to present the supporting viewpoint. Then John Milligan, of Fair and Secure Massachusetts, drops by the pod to present the opposing campaign's point of view. *We have re-recorded a segment of this podcast with the local opposition to ballot Question 4 after erroneously booking a representative of a national group with a similar name. We regret the error.

10/20/2022-- This week on The Horse Race, it's the final ballot question episode! Before diving into Question 4, Steve breaks down a new MassINC Polling Group transportation poll that tackles topics from statewide elections to the state of transportation in MA. Later, the team dives into Question 4 which deal with driver's license eligibility. This ballot measure would keep or repeal a law passed earlier this summer allowing all residents of the state regardless of immigration status to apply for driver's licenses and learner's permits if they meet all standard qualifications. First State Senator Lydia Edwards drops by the pod to present the supporting argument. Then later we're joined byShari Rendall, Director of State and Local Engagement at the Federation for American Immigration Reform, to talk us through the other side of the question. Stay tuned until the end for a brief, but noteworthy musical moment.

8/11/2022 -- On this week's episode, the team breaks down a new MassINC Polling Group poll. The poll looks at upcoming policy questions like the Fair Share Amendment, as well as what the numbers look like for the upcoming democratic primary. Then Jenn talks to Yawu Miller of the Bay State Banner, and Marco Cartolano of the Worcester Telegram and Gazette about the domino effect of elected officials running for new seats.

A new survey conducted by MassINC Polling Group found that 56% of residents surveyed support offering low-income fares and passes on public transit. In addition the majority of participants support just outright eliminating fares all together. Is this really a surprise to anyone? Gov. Baker vetoed a bill back in 2020 that included a low-income fare mandate, citing that reducing costs cut into the fare revenue the T collects at a time when ridership remains low. Do you support low-income fares or eliminating fares all together?

6/23/2022--This week on The Horse Race, Steve and Lisa share their opinions on a *critical* Massachusetts food service matchup -- Dunkin' Donuts and Market Basket. If the two were on the ballot, which is securing your vote? Later, Rich Parr, Research Director at The MassINC Polling Group shares details on the newest MPG transportation poll. The statewide survey asked residents whether they support policies like free and discounted bus fares, and their feelings on the safety of transportation modes like highways and the T. The poll also asked about e-bike rebates, and to talk more about proposed legislation surrounding e-bikes, Galen Mook of the Massachusetts Bicycle Coaltion stops by. An Act relative to electric bicycle rebates would provide $500 rebates for general consumers and up to $750 for low to moderate income consumers.

5/5/2022-- Today on The Horse Race, Steve and Lisa begin the episode by running through the newest fundraising numbers of the candidates running for statewide office. Plus, Lisa breaks down the results of the special election for the District 1 Boston City Council seat. The MassINC Polling Group is out with new data on how parents feel about their children's academics and wellbeing in school. Compared to the last wave of education polling, Steve explains, this time around parents aren't quite as optimistic. In the fall, parents were largely confident their children would catch up and get back on track academically given the new all in-person school format. So far, reality has not quite lived up to those expectations. Read more about the poll at massincpolling.com. Finally, the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade sent shockwaves throughout the country. Today's guest, Rebecca Hart Holder, executive director of Reproductive Equity Now, joins the hosts to explain what the implications would be in Massachusetts if and when the landmark decision falls away. This episode of The Horse Race was brought to you by Benchmark Strategies. Benchmark is setting a new standard as Boston's fastest-growing public affairs consulting firm. To know more, connect with Benchmark on Twitter @benchmarkBoston.

4/28/22--This week, Steve and Lisa discuss the state of COVID rates in Massachusetts, and what we might be missing when we talk about numbers of positive cases. New data from The MassINC Polling Group shows there are disparities between the households that use at-home tests to test for COVID and those that get tested at a testing site. That means we may be undercounting cases in specific places and groups. Wealthier people are more likely to have been testing themselves at home, where positives would not be reported. Schools and lower-income areas are perhaps overrepresented since they would potentially be caught in official reporting channels. Later on in the show, Steve is joined by Manny Cruz, Director of Advocacy in Massachusetts for Latinos for Education, and Ralph Saint-Louis, a Policy Fellow at Teach Plus Massachusetts and a science teacher at Lowell High School, to discuss the Educator Diversity Act, which, if passed by the legislature, would seek to make Massachusetts educators a more diverse workforce. As of now, 42% of all students in Massachusetts identify as students of color, but only 10% of all teachers in the state identify as Black, Latino or API.

4/21/22-- Today, The Horse Race is breaking down two state-focused polls out this week. The first is a poll conducted by the UMass Lowell Center for Public Opinion, which asked likely Democratic primary voters about their choices in the 2022 races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and state auditor. The poll shows gubernatorial candidate Maura Healey with a strong lead over opponent Sonia Chang-Diaz, which grew since The MassINC Polling Group's poll on the candidates from January. A second poll released this week was conducted by The MassINC Polling Group and its research director/guest co-host for this week's episode, Rich Parr. The MPG/Boston Globe poll surveyed Massachusetts residents about their opinions on climate change. This poll is one of a series of statewide climate surveys, and it found that residents consider climate change to be less of a concern than in 2019, when the last wave was conducted. However, that's not to say residents don't feel climate change is a serious threat. Majorities say that climate impacts, including heat waves (58%), coastal flooding (60%), and more powerful storms (62%), are already or very likely to hit the state in the next 5 years. The poll included additional responses from Black, Latino, and Asian residents, to enable a closer look at opinion between and within each group. Consistent with national polling, Black and Latino residents are more likely to say climate change is a “very serious” problem for the state. This poll also echoes national polling in showing a large partisan gap in concern about climate, with 62% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents calling it a very serious problem, compared to just 22% of Republicans and Republican leaners. Click here to read more about the poll: https://www.massincpolling.com/the-topline/poll-massachusetts-residents-see-climate-change-as-a-serious-problem-for-state -- A statement from a spokesperson for the state Cannabis Control Commission in regard to a prior episode of The Horse Race: "On March 14, the Boston Globe reported that Creative Services, Inc. (CSI) was exposed to a data breach that compromised the information of 164,000 individuals, including 1,982 individuals who are associated with Massachusetts cannabis licenses or license applications, as well as 75 Cannabis Control Commission (Commission) staff. In an interview during the March 31 episode of The Horse Race, the guest falsely stated that the Commission had been exposed to a data breach. The Commission does require all individuals listed on an initial license application to have a background check performed, via the Commission, with CSI. However, it is important to clarify that the Commission does not require, nor recommend, any particular company to perform background checks on the employees and/or agents they hire. Please note: as of the Commission's April public meeting, there were 19,358 active agent registrations in Massachusetts' adult-use cannabis industry, and 9,117 active agent registrations in the medical use industry. The guest being interviewed also suggested that, because of this event, the Commission should be audited. Regarding any comments as to whether the Commission has been audited, there is currently an audit by Auditor Bump's office underway and has been for some time."

3/31/22--It shouldn't be too difficult to sit back, relax and enjoy this week's episode of The Horse Race because, according to a WalletHub study (https://wallethub.com/edu/most-stressful-states/32218), the state of Massachusetts ranks among the least stressed states in the nation. Jennifer, Lisa, and Steve have a lot to say about the accuracy of this study. Later, in light of Governor Charlie Baker's HireNow program geared towards getting people back to work and meeting employers needs, we discuss why so many people across the country are leaving their jobs in the first place. MassINC Polling Group research associate and producer of the pod Libby Gormley talks through a Pew Research poll documenting U.S. workers' reasons for quitting jobs in 2021. (https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/03/09/majority-of-workers-who-quit-a-job-in-2021-cite-low-pay-no-opportunities-for-advancement-feeling-disrespected/) Finally, this week Governor Charlie handed out his first endorsement in a statewide race this year. It went to Republican candidate for state auditor, Anthony Amore. Amore joins us on the show to discuss his approach to the race as the sole Republican, his priorities if elected, and how his background as a federal agent, Homeland Security official, and museum security director has prepared him to take on the office.

1/13/22--Today on The Horse Race, Jenn and Lisa discuss the biggest headlines of the week so far -- the continued issues around in-person schooling during a surge in COVID-19 cases, the newest entrant in the race for Lieutenant Governor (Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll), and the Boston's self-imposed deadline to clear tents from the Mass & Cass area wherein 140-plus people currently reside. Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council Michael Bobbitt provides a glimpse into the arts and culture communities throughout Massachusetts--how are they navigating the ever-changing landscape that COVID-19 creates? As arts venues go from gearing up for reopening to welcoming back patrons to shutting down performances due to omicron infections, Bobbitt explains how arts consumption is changing, and people's expectations for art is evolving. Finally, new data out today from The MassINC Polling Group finds Massachusetts voters are amenable to shifting the cost of public transportation away from riders and toward high-income taxpayers. Friend of the pod and MPG Research Director Rich Parr explains the majority support for what's known as the "millionaire's tax" bodes well for its performance on the November ballot. The poll also asked about registered voters perceptions on transportation's climate preparedness, low-income fare discounts, fare-free modes of transportation, and what kind of condition they find the state's transportation system. This episode of The Horse Race is sponsored by Benchmark Strategies. Benchmark is setting a new standard as Boston's fastest-growing public affairs consulting firm. To know more, connect with Benchmark on Twitter @BenchmarkBoston.” Full transcript here: https://www.massincpolling.com/the-topline/episode-197-the-long-intermission

1/6/2022-- After ringing in the first Horse Race episode 2022, Steve, Jenn, and Lisa discuss poll results just out from The MassINC Polling Group. The statewide poll on Massachusetts residents found just around a quarter of them feel as though the situation around the COVID-19 pandemic in Massachusetts is better than it was this time last year. The poll also found that unvaccinated people feel the safest doing activities like going to a movie and dining indoors, while people who are the most protected (the vaccinated) feel the least safe doing the same activities. Steve also shares the favorables of each candidate in the race for Massachusetts Governor, showing Attorney General Maura Healey with the highest rate of name recognition, although Healey has yet to officially announce whether she's running. Later, CommonWealth reporter Shira Schoenberg shares the details of her recent article detailing Massachusetts schools' struggles with staffing amidst a devastating COVID surge as schools came back in session this week. Remote schooling is not an option, as the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education ordered last year, so schools are left to either scramble to fill in the staffing gaps or close school down and make up the days in the spring. Full transcript here: https://www.massincpolling.com/the-topline/episode-196-new-year-same-covid This episode of The Horse Race was brought to you by Benchmark Strategies. Benchmark is setting a new standard as Boston's fastest-growing public affairs consulting firm. To know more, connect with Benchmark on Twitter @benchmarkBoston.

11/4/21-- This week on The Horse Race, Steve, Jenn, and Lisa review the elections that took place all over the state. They break down all the highlights of the mayoral election, plus results of the at-large and city council elections and ballot questions. Later, Rich Parr, research director at The MassINC Polling Group joins in to talk about the notable elections that took place in cities throughout Western Massachusetts.

Two polls have come out trying to size up the mayoral, at-large, and ballot questions. Two debates don't seem to shift much either. And They all seem to say the same thing: one candidate is running away with it. Rich Parr (West Ham United) of MassInc Polling Group got the slot to parse the details in the crosstabs and toplines in their & Suffolk U's polls about how Michelle Wu is doing this, why the At-Large City Council race for 4th place will come down to the wire, and Boston ready to elect a school committee for once. The numbers are real and we still have to vote, but the only poll isn't election day. Follow Rich https://twitter.com/richparr79 Song: Brela by Suburban ft T-Choppa https://open.spotify.com/track/7zgZEof1vqsg2NkEWA20lc?si=2fb7835218cb4416

We break down the latest numbers from a poll by WBUR, the Dorchester Reporter, The Boston Foundation, and MassINC Polling Group.

8/19/21--On the finale episode of Mass Reboot, we examine the early days of the pandemic when elected officials' jobs quickly got even more complicated and important. State Senator Adam Hinds, State Representative and Boston Medical emergency room physician Jon Santiago, and State House News Service Reporter and president of the Massachusetts State House Press Association Katie Lannan discussed what legislating was like back in those days. Now, as we look forward to a slightly more open, but still worrisome future, we have to ask, how will our leaders learn from what came before? What is informing their decisions? What can we expect to change, and stay the same? -- Mass Reboot is a production of The MassINC Polling Group, in association with CommonWealth Magazine. Our music is from Blue Dot Sessions. This week's episode is sponsored by Rasky Partners. They're a long-time supporter of ours and a nationally recognized government affairs and communication firm. For over 30 years the team at Rasky has worked with all types of organizations, large and small, helping each one reach their business objectives through advocacy and storytelling. Find out more about Rasky Partners at rasky.com.

8/19/21--On the finale episode of Mass Reboot, we examine the early days of the pandemic when elected officials' jobs quickly got even more complicated and important. State Senator Adam Hinds, State Representative and Boston Medical emergency room physician Jon Santiago, and State House News Service Reporter and president of the Massachusetts State House Press Association Katie Lannan discussed what legislating was like back in those days. Now, as we look forward to a slightly more open, but still worrisome future, we have to ask, how will our leaders learn from what came before? What is informing their decisions? What can we expect to change, and stay the same? -- Mass Reboot is a production of The MassINC Polling Group, in association with CommonWealth Magazine. Our music is from Blue Dot Sessions. This week's episode is sponsored by Rasky Partners. They're a long-time supporter of ours and a nationally recognized government affairs and communication firm. For over 30 years the team at Rasky has worked with all types of organizations, large and small, helping each one reach their business objectives through advocacy and storytelling. Find out more about Rasky Partners at rasky.com.

8/12/21--When the pandemic hit, just about every aspect of our lives changed. And that includes our relationships-- with family, friends, and partners. Whether you were single, dating, married, or divorced during the pandemic, chances are, dynamics changed at least slightly. Today, we hear from two sets up couples -- Honey Goodenough and Kenneth Dyer, and Eden Heller and Dan Hopkins -- about their experiences together during the pandemic, as well as the Boston Globe Love Letters columnist Meredith Goldstein about the patterns she saw emerge among people navigating love and dating before, during the height of the pandemic, and now. Next week: Government. -- Mass Reboot is a production of The MassINC Polling Group, in association with CommonWealth Magazine. Our music is from Blue Dot Sessions. To help us make more episodes, donate at patreon.com/mass_reboot. This week's episode is sponsored by Rasky Partners. They're a long-time supporter of ours and a nationally recognized government affairs and communication firm. For over 30 years the team at Rasky has worked with all types of organizations, large and small, helping each one reach their business objectives through advocacy and storytelling. Find out more about Rasky Partners at rasky.com.

When the pandemic hit, just about every aspect of our lives changed. And that includes our relationships-- with family, friends, and partners. Whether you were single, dating, married, or divorced during the pandemic, chances are, dynamics changed at least slightly. Today, we hear from two sets up couples -- Honey Goodenough and Kenneth Dyer, and Eden Heller and Dan Hopkins -- about their experiences together during the pandemic, as well as the Boston Globe Love Letters columnist Meredith Goldstein about the patterns she saw emerge among people navigating love and dating before, during the height of the pandemic, and now. Next week: Government. -- Mass Reboot is a production of The MassINC Polling Group, in association with CommonWealth Magazine. Our music is from Blue Dot Sessions. To help us make more episodes, donate at patreon.com/mass_reboot. This week's episode is sponsored by Rasky Partners. They're a long-time supporter of ours and a nationally recognized government affairs and communication firm. For over 30 years the team at Rasky has worked with all types of organizations, large and small, helping each one reach their business objectives through advocacy and storytelling. Find out more about Rasky Partners at rasky.com.

8/5/21-- School administrators, teachers, parents, and students were all thrown for a loop when COVID shut down school buildings and demanded immediate innovation. Some schools, and some students, were better off than others. So much depended on available resources like technology, Internet, and childcare. Families that lacked any one of these struggled with remote school and hybrid school. Learning loss was certainly a symptom of the COVID school year, but the voices on today's podcast emphasize that it should not be the sole focus as we look towards recovery--that addressing students' grief; relationships; and physical, social, and emotional well-being takes precedence over reaching a certain benchmark in reading or math. Takeru Nagayoshi of New Bedford High School, Tracy O'Connell Novick of the Worcester School Committee, Tanya Nixon-Sillberg of Little Uprisings, and Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education Jason Lewis reflect on the past year and a half of school plagued by COVID interruptions and provide insight on what the next academic year could and should provide for teachers, students, and their families. Next week: Love. -- Mass Reboot is a production of The MassINC Polling Group, in association with CommonWealth Magazine. Our music is from Blue Dot Sessions. To help us make more episodes, donate at patreon.com/mass_reboot. This week's episode is sponsored in part by Rasky Partners. They're a long-time supporter of ours and a nationally recognized government affairs and communication firm. For over 30 years the team at Rasky has worked with all types of organizations, large and small, helping each one reach their business objectives through advocacy and storytelling. Find out more about Rasky Partners at rasky.com. Episode 3 is also sponsored by the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, an employer-driven member organization comprised of CEOs and Senior Executives from large employers. Through the Roundtable, business leaders engage with the public and private sectors to advance policies that support the state's competitiveness and long-term economic prosperity.

Our resident polling expert, Rich Parr joins us from the MassINC Polling Group to let us know what people think about Governor Baker and his handling of the MBTA, as well as a new study from the Urban Land Institute on the preferences and lifestyles of "millennials". In this case, the focus is on college educated young professionals and what kinds of housing, transportation and work environments they seek. If this study is any indication, transportation choices are changing rapidly and reflect a desire to use transit. But you knew that, right?Tune in for two hours of fascinating analysis and commentary on our changing demographic patterns and lifestyles, split into two episodes for a more convenient listening experience, and just in time to distract you from the holiday traffic delaying your bus on the highway. Be sure to download both episodes, 21a and 21b. The Transit Matters Podcast is your source for transportation news, analysis, interviews with transit advocates and more. By offering new perspectives, uniting transit advocates and promoting a level of critical analysis normally absent from other media, we can achieve a useful and effective transportation network because Transit Matters.Like what you hear? Share it around, tell your friends and colleagues, and subscribe to the blog and podcast to be notified of new posts and episodes. Support our work by becoming a member, making a donation or signing up to volunteer because we can't do this alone. Let us know what you think by connect with TransitMatters on Facebook or Twitter, follow Jeremy @Critical Transit or Josh @hatchback31, and or email us here.

Our resident polling expert, Rich Parr joins us from the MassINC Polling Group to let us know what people think about Governor Baker and his handling of the MBTA, as well as a new study from the Urban Land Institute on the preferences and lifestyles of "millennials". In this case, the focus is on college educated young professionals and what kinds of housing, transportation and work environments they seek. If this study is any indication, transportation choices are changing rapidly and reflect a desire to use transit. But you knew that, right?Tune in for two hours of fascinating analysis and commentary on our changing demographic patterns and lifestyles, split into two episodes for a more convenient listening experience, and just in time to distract you from the holiday traffic delaying your bus on the highway. Be sure to download both episodes, 21a and 21b. The Transit Matters Podcast is your source for transportation news, analysis, interviews with transit advocates and more. By offering new perspectives, uniting transit advocates and promoting a level of critical analysis normally absent from other media, we can achieve a useful and effective transportation network because Transit Matters.Like what you hear? Share it around, tell your friends and colleagues, and subscribe to the blog and podcast to be notified of new posts and episodes. Support our work by becoming a member, making a donation or signing up to volunteer because we can't do this alone. Let us know what you think by connect with TransitMatters on Facebook or Twitter, follow Jeremy @Critical Transit or Josh @hatchback31, and or email us here.