Shows
Incorruptible MassThe Thrive Act -- how all of our students can succeed and thrivePlease donate to the show!Today we talk to Vatsady Sivongxay about the Thrive Act. We'll talk about receivership and why it is so damaging especially for our BIPOC community, as well as about the MCAS, what it does to our kids, and we'll also talk about the positive vision the Thrive Act provides.Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan as we chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 5 episode 23. You can watch the video version on our YouTube channel. You’re listening to...
2023-08-2545 min
Incorruptible MassBallot Proposals for 2024 are out!Please donate to the show!Today we discuss seven of the proposed ballot measures for 2024. We cover 1. one fair wage, 2. rent control, 3. same day voter registration, 4. MCAS, 5. Uber/Lyft, 6. auditing the legislature, and 7. psychedelics. We'll give you our analysis of each of these so you understand how they might impact you and those you love. Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan as we chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 5 episode 22. You can watch the video version on our YouTube channel. You’re li...
2023-08-1125 min
Incorruptible MassMassachusetts budget update and the summer of climate changePlease donate to the show!Today we give you an update on the budget for the state of Massachusetts -- a few good things that are in it, but also a 30,000-ft view of why it does not meet the needs of our residents. We also cover the climate crisis this summer and how our state government and the media are not doing their part to avert even deeper crisis. Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan as we chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 5...
2023-08-0835 min
Incorruptible MassWhy has it taken over 23 years to update our sex ed curriculum?Please donate to the show!Every other curriculum framework in Massachusetts has been updated in the last nine years -- except sex education. Ours currently does not include consent, is not required to be medically accurate, and leaves out LGBTQ+. And is it a coincidence that we are now considering updating it when we have an LGBTQ+ friendly governor?Cara Berg Powers joins Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan as we chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 5 episode 20. You can watch the video version...
2023-07-2532 min
Incorruptible MassLocation Data Privacy with the ACLU: who is making money off of knowing where you are?Please donate to the show!Today we talk about location data -- did you know that many companies track your location and then sell that info to the highest bidder? We are joined by Kade Crockford of the ACLU to talk about the Location Shield Act in Massachusetts, which would ban companies from selling our cell phone location information. Kade Crockford joins Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan as we chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 5 episode 17. You can watch the video version on...
2023-07-1744 min
Incorruptible MassSupreme Court decisions on affirmative action, student debtPlease donate to the show!Today we talk about the Supreme Court decisions on affirmative action and on student debt. While higher education institutions with billion-dollar endowments are now bemoaning this decision that makes it more difficult to ensure that people of color have opportunities to attend, they still refuse to pay their fair share of property taxes so we talk about PILOT. Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 5 episode 18. You can watch the video version on our Y...
2023-07-0525 min
Incorruptible MassHousing: HDIP, transfer fee, right to counsel, rent control, TOPA, eviction sealing.Please donate to the show!Today we talk about housing. With the Senate increasing funding for HDIP, is this actually solving our housing crisis? We'll talk about all the more effective strategies that are bills at the State House and could allow municipalities to protect tenants and slow down our skyrocketing housing costs. Mark Martinez joins Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan as we chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 5 episode 17. You can watch the video version on our YouTube channel. You’re l...
2023-06-2641 minIncorruptible MassTax Package: The Senate package is better, but why is no one talking about it?Please donate to the show!Today we talk about the state Senate's version of the budget, and specifically their tax package. Thankfully, this relies less heavily on cutting taxes for the rich (capital gains and estate taxes), but it does have some details that could use improvement. We also discuss why there is no public discussion and analysis of the budget. Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan as we chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 5 episode 16. You can watch the video version on our...
2023-06-1626 min
Incorruptible MassBostopia News with Evan George -- Boston politics, redistricting, media bias, TikTokPlease donate to the show!Today we talk with Evan George of Bostopia News. We talk about Boston politics, local vs state politics, the recent redistricting in Boston and why it's to be questioned, as well as touching on media bias against progressive voices and why it's so important to have people like Evan covering these issues on his podcast and on his very popular TikTok.Evan George, Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn (absent today), and Anna Callahan as we chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 5...
2023-06-1035 min
Incorruptible Mass5.14 Youth Vote: Why won't the State House approve the expansion of democracy?Please donate to the show!Today we take on another question from a listener about youth voting. There are ten municipalities in Massachusetts that have passed legislation allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in municipal elections. In Massachusetts, these have to be approved by the state (by Home Rule Petitions) -- and yet the state has approved none of them. Why?David Seaton, Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan as we chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 5 episode 13. You can watch the video version...
2023-06-0239 minIncorruptible MassHow do we pay for Medicare for All here in Massachusetts?Please donate to the show!Today we take on a listener's question: how do we pay for a single-payer, Medicare for All-style health care system at the state level? We go over what happened in Vermont when they tried to pass one, as well as how it will be paid for here in Massachusetts according to the bill that has been in the legislature for decades. And we throw in a bit about how the media repeats talking points from the other side that are not based in fact.Stephanie Nakajima from MassCare and economist Ge...
2023-05-3041 min
Incorruptible MassHow to answer the question, "Why Are You Running for Office?"Please donate to the show!If you're a candidate, everyone will ask you why you are running for office. And you'd better have a good answer. Sadly, most candidates answer this question in a way that is not good for their campaign. We will talk you through how to craft a compelling short answer that is both personal and inspiring to voters and endorsing organizations.Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 5 episode 12. You can watch the video version...
2023-05-1630 min
Incorruptible MassThe MA state budget: Everything you want to know but won't hear anywhere elsePlease donate to the show!Today we talk about the budget that just passed in the State House. We'll tell you what's in it, what's not in it, what should be in it, what we're irritated about in terms of the way that they passed it. From no-cost-calls for prisoners to free pre-K to free community college to tackling climate change, we're covering it all.Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 5 episode 11. You can watch the video version...
2023-05-0538 minIncorruptible MassManny Alvarado at Manny Jae Media: The voice of Black Brown & LGBTQ in WorcesterPlease donate to the show!Today we talk to Manny Alvarado from Manny Jae Media. His podcasts and videos celebrate and give voice to the Black, brown, and LGBTQ communities in Worcester. Manny has amazing stories from his childhood and from his current work, and we also talk about systemic oppression in different areas.Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 5 episode 10. You can watch the video version on our YouTube channel. You’re listening to Incorruptible Ma...
2023-04-2841 min
Incorruptible MassClimate Change with the Sierra Club -- successful inside-outside strategyPlease donate to the show!Today we interview Jess Nahigian from the Sierra Club Massachusetts. We cover what environmental legislation was passed last cycle, where Massachusetts is falling behind on implementation, and how we can all bring more joy to our climate work.Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 5 episode 9. You can watch the video version on our YouTube channel. You’re listening to Incorruptible Mass. Our goal is to help people transform state politics: we in...
2023-04-2145 minIncorruptible MassNews Analysis: Trump indictment, climate law, democracy abroad, wins in Wisconsin & ChicagoPlease donate to the show!Today we analyze this week's news. We talk about Trump's indictment and how that relates to Massachusetts state politics. We talk about California's new environmental legislation and the hoops they had to go through to pass it. New Yorks climate law might have died on the implementation table -- we talk about how important it is to follow through the implementation phase of the laws we pass. We discuss the Finnish elections as a bellweather for the effect that climate change will have on immigration and democracy. And we discuss progressive wins...
2023-04-1032 min
Incorruptible MassThe terrible horrible no good very bad tax packagePlease donate to the show!Today we talk about the tax package that is moving through the house, senate, and governor's office. In a state that overly burdens low- and middle-income folks with taxes, and shortly after our state voted to increase taxes on the most wealthy, this tax plan includes multiple tax cuts for exactly those wealthy people. We are not fans and explain why we should all make some noise about it before it's too late.Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version...
2023-04-0341 min
Incorruptible MassPower - Only power can get policy passed, and it has to be used to be real.Please donate to the show!Today we talk about power -- what is it? Why do we need it? How is wielding power different in a blue state from in a purple state? What does exercising power look like? Spoiler alert: being close to power is not enough. Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 5 episode 5. You can watch the video version on our YouTube channel. You’re listening to Incorruptible Mass. Our goal is to help pe...
2023-03-2440 min
Incorruptible MassMythbusting -- 13 myths you might believe about politics.Please donate to the show!Today we cover 13 myths that many people believe about politics. Any of these sound familiar?Myth: Massachusetts state government is in good hands.Myth: It's better to spend time and money organizing in red or purple states. Myth: My state rep votes the way they tell me they are voting. Myth: If a candidate says during a campaign they will support certain policies, they will support them after the election. Myth: If my state rep officially cosponsors legislation, they will vote for it. Myth: If I want national policies passed, I shoul...
2023-03-1740 min
Incorruptible MassAbsolute Power: Why 3 out of 4 Speakers of the House go to jailPlease donate to the show!Today we talk about the insane amount of power the Speaker of the MA State House has over what bills are allowed to pass. He controls the salaries of more than half of the 160 members, and only he can control who chairs committees, where your office is, how many staff you get, where your parking spot is, and so much more. We dive into how this affects our democracy.Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass...
2023-03-1054 min
Incorruptible MassWhy is Massachusetts Failing? If you think our state is doing fine, think again.Please donate to the show!Do you think Massachusetts is doing pretty well, and doesn't need your activism? Then this is the podcast for you. Today we talk about how far our policies are from the views of the electorate, which policies are voted down year after year that are in the Democratic party platform, and policies where Massachusetts falls behind many other states including deep red states. Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 5 episode 2. You can watch...
2023-03-0238 min
Incorruptible MassWhy State? You -- yes you! -- should prioritize state level electoral work.Please donate to the show!Today we talk about why state level politics is the most impactful way you can cause progressive change. Any policy that matters to you can be passed more easily at the state level than nationally -- and will benefit 7M people. It's much, much cheaper to win state-level seats, so your dollars and volunteering go much further. And passing legislation at the state level might be the best way to get it passed nationally -- we have plenty of examples of important legislation that would never have been passed if it hadn't...
2023-02-1745 min
Incorruptible MassThe Dream: The road to change starts with a vision of the world we want to createWelcome to Season 5! Please donate to the show!We know that change cannot happen without a vision of the world we want to create. So join us today as we paint a picture of what we could have here in Massachusetts if we fixed our state politics. In dozens of other countries, people go to the doctor without worrying about the cost. Roads are well-paved and pothole free. Water that comes out of the tap does not have lead in it. Kids get a great education no matter what school they go to. People g...
2023-02-1236 minIncorruptible Mass58. Dreaming of a Better MassachusettsToday we thought we'd dream about the Massachusetts we could have if our legislature were not so dysfunctional. We mostly dive into the big three -- Housing, Health care, and Education. We wish everyone a happy and healthy holidays, and may we all have a better 2023! Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 58. You can watch the video version here.You’re listening to Incorruptible Mass. Our goal is to help people understand state politics: we investigate why it’...
2022-12-3132 minIncorruptible Mass57. What can we learn from the 2022 ballot questions?Today we talk about the 2022 ballot questions -- which ones passed and failed, and by how much. We get some intel on how they fared in different parts of the state and why. And we discuss why state rep incumbent 'fears' of voting for immigrant rights are really just excuses. Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the video version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 57. You can watch the video version here.You’re listening to Incorruptible Mass. Our goal is to help people understand state pol...
2022-11-2137 minIncorruptible Mass56. Ballot Questions! How should you vote on ballot initiatives on November 8th?This November you will have at least four and up to seven "Questions" on your ballot -- today we talk about each one. We hope you'll come away inspired to vote yes on them all and to canvass or phone bank for Question 1 (Fair Share Amendment) and Question 4 (Eligibility for Driver's Licenses).Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the video version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 56. You can watch the video version here.You’re listening to Incorruptible Mass. Our goal is to help people und...
2022-10-1245 minIncorruptible Mass55. What happened on September 6th? Election post-mortemThis election season was not a good one for progressive candidates. Today we go over what happened and why. How did vote-by-mail affect the outcomes and why? Why was it so hard to get volunteers out to work on campaigns? And what can we expect from this new State House, given that more progressives left than were elected? Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the video version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 55. You can watch the video version here.You’re listening to Incorruptible Mass. Our...
2022-10-0635 minIncorruptible Mass54. What happened to the prison moratorium?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...
2022-08-3149 minIncorruptible Mass53. End of Session! All the ways that good bills can fail to pass through the legislature.We have reached the end of the two-year legislative session! Today we talk about how the MA State House structure is set up to cause bills to fail. We go through all the different points at which a bill can be voted down, quietly killed, or just forgotten about, and we discuss all the bills this session that should have passed but didn't. A must-listen!Join our canvasses to help our jointly-endorsed candidates win this weekend! https://www.incorruptiblemass.org/eventsSee this amazing breakdown from Jonathan about all the bills that feel through t...
2022-08-1847 minIncorruptible Mass52. Our Broken Democracy in Massachusetts: with Kathy Teahan and Jack StantonEven in Our Backyard: Our Broken Democracy in Massachusetts. This discussion between former state rep Kathy Teahan and state rep candidate Jack Stanton will open your eyes to the gritty reality of our democracy in crisis. Kathy Teahan is the author of "For the People, Against the Tide," where she lays out specific details of the dysfunction of our State House. She and Jack talk about why we must take action here in Massachusetts if we are to save our democracy in America. Kathy Teahan, Jack Stanton, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the video version...
2022-08-111h 33Incorruptible Mass51. Which state rep candidates were endorsed by IM, Progressive Mass, and Mass Alliance?The state primaries are coming right up on September 6th! Today we talk about the six state rep candidates that have been endorsed by all three of our organizations, why we love them, and why their districts deserve better.Raul Fernandez: https://www.raulforrep.com/Vivian Birchall: https://www.vivianbirchall.com/Teresa English: https://www.voteteresaenglish.org/Sam Montaño: https://www.samforboston.com/Tara Hong: https://www.tarahong.com/Heather May: https://www.heatherforwaltham.com/Jordan Berg Powers and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio v...
2022-08-0241 minIncorruptible Mass50.5 Join us tomorrow in JP to meet 13 progressive candidates!Hi, this is Anna Callahan from Incorruptible Mass with a special announcement. You understand state politics, you know why it’s so broken, you know what we could have here in MA if we fixed it, so I want to let you know how you can get involved. Join us this Sunday, July 24th, at 10:30am, at the JP Boat House to meet our slate of 13 candidates for the State House. We’ll have food, drinks, & popsicles to beat the heat, kids activities, and candidates you can trust to pass the policies we need. We hope to see you in JP to...
2022-07-2300 minIncorruptible Mass50. Timmy Sullivan, state rep candidate for the 21st MiddlesexToday we talk with Timmy Sullivan about his campaign for the state rep seat in Burlington and surrounds. Listen in to hear about how all of us can create change even when our government refuses, and Timmy's plans to accomplish faster action on climate with or without the State House's permission. It's an amazing discussion! You can meet all the Incorruptible Mass candidates this Sunday at 10:30am in JP! RSVP here: https://www.incorruptiblemass.org/events Jordan Berg Powers and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass...
2022-07-2037 minIncorruptible Mass49. Nichole Mossalam, state rep candidate for the 35th MiddlesexWith Roe v. Wade now officially overturned by the Supreme Court, we discuss women's rights with Nichole Mossalam, who is running against an anti-choice opponent. We also discuss how incumbents can be pushed on issues during a campaign, and whether that leads to lasting change. Jordan Berg Powers and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 49. 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 broke...
2022-07-0833 minIncorruptible Mass48 Raul Fernandez, state rep candidate for the 15th Norfolk...and Uber ballot measure is dead!Raul Fernandez, Select Board Member in Brookline and dad, grew up in public housing in a union family. We talk about his style of co-governance and how he engages marginalized voices in the political process. We also cover the big news of the day -- the mega-million dollar anti-worker ballot question that Uber and Lyft were behind is dead! Woot! Jordan Berg Powers and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 48. You can watch the video version here.You’re listening to Incorruptible Massachusetts. Our...
2022-06-1429 minIncorruptible Mass47. Campaign promises, expectations, and movement building.It's election season, and we're spending today talking about how we can all do better. People often expect their elected officials to take care of things once they get into office, despite all our experience to the contrary. Today we talk not about our electeds, but about ourselves, and how we can build on the outside to ensure our policies get passed. Jordan Berg Powers and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 47. You can watch the video version here.You’re listening to Inc...
2022-06-0932 minIncorruptible Mass46 Heather May, state rep candidate for the 9th MiddlesexHeather May, educator, mom, and union organizer, is running against an incumbent in Waltham. We talk about how her successful five-year battle to organize her union is great preparation for doing the deep work necessary to get bills passed in Massachusetts. We also talk about housing, climate, and other issues she will fight for. Jordan Berg Powers and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 46. You can watch the video version here.You’re listening to Incorruptible Massachusetts. Our goal is to help people und...
2022-06-0134 minIncorruptible Mass45. Teresa English, state rep candidate for the 22nd MiddlesexTeresa English, teacher, mom, and veteran, is running against a Republican incumbent in Billerica. She is deeply committed to supporting working people in Billerica and across the Commonwealth, and her experience as a teacher gives her insight into education policy and beyond. Jordan Berg Powers and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 44. 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 co...
2022-05-2432 minIncorruptible Mass44. Unemployment and how Massachusetts is messing it upOur state legislature could have funded unemployment insurance properly, but instead we're now deep in debt. Small businesses pay a higher rate than large corporations, we punish seasonal businesses, and the payments to unemployed people don't even cover food & rent. We talk to Molly Kivi about how we can fix it. Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn (absent), and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 29. The video version is available here.You’re listening to Incorruptible Massachusetts. Our goal is to help people understand sta...
2022-05-1323 minIncorruptible Mass43. Vivian Birchall, state rep candidate for the 14th MiddlesexMeet Incorruptible Mass candidate Vivian Birchall! With her years of experience doing anti-corruption and transparency work, she is perfect for the MA State House. We talk about her background, issues, and her skill at facilitating listening sessions to bring marginalized people into the political process. Jordan Berg Powers and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 43. 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 broke...
2022-05-0632 minIncorruptible Mass42. State Budget: What's in it versus what should be in itThe State House just released its draft budget, which includes a few surprising good things (like fully funding what they already voted to support) but as usual leaves out many important items. We talk about the timeline for the budget and what we should be asking our reps to include. Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 42. You can watch the video version here.You’re listening to Incorruptible Massachusetts. Our goal is to help people understand state pol...
2022-04-2527 minIncorruptible Mass41. Unionizing State Senate and State House Staff: More democracy in the workplace and in governmentThe State Senate staffers just voted to unionize! And the State House staffers have been working on this as well. We talk about the unionization movement and what it means for people who work in the state legislature. Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 41. 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...
2022-04-1921 minIncorruptible Mass40. Strategy and Power: How can we pass policy nationally, and why is the Right beating us?Today we're talking about strategy and power in the progressive movement. The Right is succeeding in taking away reproductive rights, voting rights, and more -- why? We talk about how important it is for us on the left to pass strong, life changing policy in blue states as a path to getting our policy passed nationally. Tune in to learn why this is the case and what we can do to change it.Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 40...
2022-04-1129 minIncorruptible Mass39. We need people to run for State Rep! Share this episode!Today we hope to inspire you -- to run for state rep, to ask your friends to run for state rep, and to join with us on a hunt for other great people to run for state rep. Because of redistricting, we have an incredible, once-in-10-years opportunity to elect a lot of progressives at once to the State House. If you are considering running for state rep or if you want to recommend someone, reach out to anna@incorruptiblemass.org.Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is...
2022-03-1525 minIncorruptible Mass38. Joint Rule 10 Day: Everything the State House should have passed but killed insteadToday is a lively discussion of all the bills the State House should have moved forward, but instead killed in their not-famous "Joint Rule 10 Day." Voting rights, eliminating mandatory minimums for drug offenses, paid leave for municipal workers, public financing of elections, 100% renewables, banning the use of tear gas...the list goes on and on. Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 38. The video version is available here.You’re listening to Incorruptible Massachusetts. Our goal is to help...
2022-03-0826 minIncorruptible Mass37. Medicare for All now, and how our State House killed it in the pastDid you know that Medicare for All was on an almost certain path to victory in Massachusetts in the early 2000s? Today we talk with Stephanie Nakajima from MassCare. Hear how the State House illegally killed it all those years ago, as well as MassCare's current efforts with ballot initiatives all across the Commonwealth.Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 37. The video version is available here.You’re listening to Incorruptible Massachusetts. Our goal is to help peopl...
2022-03-0237 minIncorruptible Mass36. Flipping power -- how do we take back our government?If our crisis in democracy is that we, the American people, don't fundamentally have the power to get the government do what we need, then how can we flip the balance of power and reinvigorate democracy? We discuss a powerful strategy designed to do just that and how it will happen at the State House. Read more here: https://www.incorruptiblemass.org/incorruptible-bookJordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 36. The video version is available here.You’re l...
2022-02-2138 minIncorruptible Mass35. Our democracy is in crisis. Why?Millions of people doubt the legitimacy of the 2020 elections. Lawmakers have passed voter suppression laws in 47 states in the last 18 months. Negative partisanship is at its highest level in decades, and inequality is higher than it has ever been. We discuss the media, our political parties, policy, and power to get to the bottom of why our democracy is in crisis.Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 35. The video version is available here.You’re listening to Inc...
2022-02-1537 minIncorruptible Mass34. Reproductive rights: What happens if Roe v Wade is overturned?Today we talk with Dr Jennifer Childs-Roshak from Planned Parenthood about reproductive rights. With the likelihood that the US Supreme Court will strike down Roe, we talk about what that means for reproductive rights around the country and here in Massachusetts.Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 34. The video version is available 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 co...
2022-02-0825 minIncorruptible Mass33. Cannabis policy for people, not corporations!Today we talk to Shaleen Title from the Parabola Center, who has been actively involved in the effort to put equity and justice at the heart of drug policy here in Massachusetts. We talk about how our state was early to make marijuana legal through a ballot initiative, but our legislature has been slow to enact the details that would make our drug policy fair.Shaleen's paper:https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.c...Parabola Center's resources:https://www.parabolacenter.com/resour...Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about...
2022-02-0127 minIncorruptible Mass32. Rent Control -- its history and why we need it nowOver the last 100 years, rent control has been the norm. It's just that 25 years ago, the real estate lobby used some sneaky tactics (and millions of dollars) to ban it in Massachusetts. Today we talk with State Rep Mike Connolly and Beth Huang about how we're moving toward cities being able to enact this crucial tool for keeping our housing safe and affordable.Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 32. The video version is available here. You’re lis...
2022-01-2541 minIncorruptible Mass31. Andrea James on why we do NOT need a new women's prison in MAAndrea James fights for women in prison. Today we talk about the top-down nature of the state legislature as they ignored the commission they themselves set up, and tried to force the creation of a new women's prison. When we remember that Massachusetts still incarcerates more people per capita than most countries, and the harm this does to them, their families, and communities, we discuss better alternatives.Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 31. The video version is available here.
2022-01-1831 min
Incorruptible Mass30. Happy Holidays! And why we're on the verge of an "eggmergency" in MassachusettsThere was a bill on the books that would have made 90% of eggs illegal to sell in MA starting in January. All it needed was some legislators to fix it, and the fix was approved by the Humane Society, "Big Egg", and everyone else. But because only a tiny handful of people are actually allowed to touch any legislation, this has waited till the last minute. Just another example of how dysfunctional the State House is in its dictatorial control of policy.We also sing a couple of carols and read a poem. We hope you enjoy them...
2021-12-2515 min
Incorruptible Mass29. No on Prop 22: Uber and other tech giants think they can bring their horrible policies to MAIf the pro-Uber ballot question succeeds in Massachusetts, it won't just be the end of workers rights for driving gig workers -- it will likely mean that other industries will follow suit in taking away workers' rights. And these greedy tech giants are likely to spend tens of millions of dollars on a misinformation campaign. We hear from Jonathan Paz from the No on Prop 22 coalition.Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 29. The video version is available here.
2021-12-2134 min
Incorruptible Mass28. What did the State House do this year??Today we go over what the State House worked on this year. If we don't count the Climate bill that they really should have finished last session, or redistricting, or spending the extra federal ARPA money, they mainly took on one thing: sports betting!! We talk about how the whole cycle that forces votes on bills to the very end of even years blocks important bills.Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 28. The video version is available here.
2021-12-1426 min
Incorruptible Mass27. Democracy in Decline: the Progressive Democrats of Massachusetts report on the State HouseToday we cover the new report, Democracy in Decline, headed up by Progressive Democrats of Massachusetts. We'll cover our favorite (read: most horrible) parts, including how lobbyists and corporations can have access to bills before our own state reps, the steep increase in the number of paid positions (read: people under the thumb of the Speaker) to more than a majority, and how the paltry number and inadequate pay of staff leads to lack of diversity and lived experience.Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of t...
2021-11-2934 min
Incorruptible Mass26. How Incarceration Diminishes our DemocracyToday we speak with Kristina Mensik from Democracy Behind Bars. In this truly horrifying but important discussion, you'll hear how we jail more people per capita than any other nation on earth, how we charge them exorbitant prices just to get enough food to eat, and then make them work for less than a dollar an hour. And that's not even the meat of the discussion -- we dig deep into how incarceration functions to suppress the vote, especially in the Black community and other communities of color. Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn (absent today), and Anna C...
2021-11-2229 min
Incorruptible Mass25. Elections 2021: What wins and what doesn'tToday we talk about yesterday's elections. What happened in Boston, Malden, Holyoke, Worcester, Medford, and other cities? How did Lowell's switch to districts affect diversity? Did slate-bashing, racist mailers, or fake fliers pretending to come from progressive organizations ruin our chances? (Spoiler alert -- no they did not!) Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the video version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 25. The video version is available here.You’re listening to Incorruptible Massachusetts. Our goal is to help people understand state politics: we investigate wh...
2021-11-0343 min
Incorruptible Mass24: Home Rule Petitions: Massachusetts protects the powerful from democracy. With Ben Ewen-CampenToday we talk with Ben Ewen-Campen about Home Rule Petitions. Essentially, there are whole policy areas that city councils are not allowed to pass, but must instead beg the State House to approve. We talk about housing policies that are clearly needed in Somerville, but disappear into the State House where no one can be held accountable because they have simply vanished without a trace.Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 24. The video version is available here. Y...
2021-11-0129 min
Incorruptible Mass23. The Climate bill that passed, and the timelines we are missingAfter 13 years of no action on climate change, the MA State House finally passed a bill committing to net zero carbon emissions. After vetoing this bill (which thankfully later passed when our supermajorities of Dems in both houses stood their ground), the Baker administration has missed many of the legislated deadlines required in the bill. Cabell Eames from 350 Mass gives us the details on this crucial legislation.Jonathan Cohn, Jordan Berg Powers (absent today), and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 23. The video version is...
2021-10-2530 min
Incorruptible Mass22. Disability rights: We need more funding for independent living, esp under COVIDHarriotte Ranvig of Mass ADAPT speaks about the fight to get more funding for people to live independently. Under COVID, our system of forcing people to live in nursing homes has been catastrophic. But even before the pandemic, ADAPT has fought to fund Personal Care Attendants so that disabled people can live dignified, productive lives. Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat with Harriotte Ranvig about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 22. The video version is available here. You’re listening to Incorruptible Massachusetts. Our goal is t...
2021-10-1130 min
Incorruptible Mass21. Education: Our state fails to fund education despite already voting in favorVatsady Sivongxay from Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance joins us to talk about education. MEJA fought for years to pass the Student Opportunity Act, to ensure that every kid has access to a good education. But even after the bill was passed, the State House has not fully funded it, essentially overturning that decision.Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of the Incorruptible Mass podcast, season 4 episode 21. The video version is available here. You’re listening to Incorruptible Massachusetts. Our goal is to help people unde...
2021-10-0330 min
Incorruptible Mass20. Hearings -- Bad at convincing legislators, but good for....We're in the season of hearings! Every bill in the State House has a hearing, most of them happening this fall. We discuss why hearings are designed to have little impact on the opinions of state reps, and how you can use hearings differently to help get your policies passed. Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. Check out the video of this episode on YouTube. Sign up to get updates.You’re listening to Incorruptible Massachusetts. Our goal is to help people understand state politics: we investigate why it’s...
2021-09-2819 min
Incorruptible Mass19. Policing. Have things improved since George Floyd?People in the US have a growing awareness of police abuse of power, and are demanding change. Hear personal stories of interactions with police and a discussion of how public viewpoints have changed since the George Floyd protests of last year.Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of Incorruptible Massachusetts season 4 episode 19. 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...
2021-09-0335 min
Incorruptible Mass18. Young people and the policies that support themPolitics is overwhelmingly decided by older generations, but we hope that is changing. Between the March for Our Lives, the climate movement, the push for student debt cancellation, and more, young people are increasingly burdened and have gotten more politically involved. We talk to Martha Durkee-Neuman about these policies and more.Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. You can watch the video version of this episode on YouTube. You’re listening to Incorruptible Massachusetts. Our goal is to help people understand state politics: we investigate why it’s so broken...
2021-08-2738 min
Incorruptible Mass17. Redistricting. How does the census determine your representation?Redistricting happens once every 10 years, and it defines the boundaries for local, state, and national elected offices. What is the difference between redistricting and re-precincting? How does redistricting affect communities of color? Will there be a large number of open seats in our state government in 2022? Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of Incorruptible Massachusetts season 4 episode 17. You’re listening to Incorruptible Massachusetts. Our goal is to help people understand state politics: investigate why it’s so broken, imagine what we could have here in MA if...
2021-08-1834 min
Incorruptible Mass16. Eviction Moratorium: Activist pressure on the President winsMembers of Congress worked with activists to reverse Biden's decision on the eviction moratorium. While it isn't everything we wanted, it clearly had a positive effect in keeping people in their homes during this crisis. In this episode we talk housing as well as the importance of elected officials working with activists and standing their ground against the Supreme Court.Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of Incorruptible Mass, season 4 episode 16. You’re listening to Incorruptible Massachusetts. Our goal is to help people understand stat...
2021-08-1331 min
Incorruptible Mass15. Vacation: Why don't we have any?The US is one of the worst countries in providing vacation for workers. We do not require that employers provide any paid vacation, or any paid holidays. This doesn't make us more productive, just more stressed. Massachusetts could lead on this, providing a legislative example for other states while offering policy that is good for everyone.Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. This is the audio version of Incorruptible Massachusetts season 4 episode 15. You’re listening to Incorruptible Massachusetts. Our goal is to help people understand state politics: investigate why it’s...
2021-08-0722 min
Incorruptible Mass14. Live Podcast from Boston Common, July 24, 2021Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan record live at the Boston Common. In this episode we cover a lot of the topics we've covered before, including why state politics matters and is a national strategy, what is wrong with our State House currently, and how it impacts us from a policy perspective.This is the audio version of Incorruptible Massachusetts season 4 episode 14. You’re listening to Incorruptible Massachusetts. Our goal is to help people understand state politics: investigate why it’s so broken, imagine what we could have here in MA if we fixed...
2021-07-3036 min
Incorruptible Mass13. How can we fund everything? Progressive taxation is a no-brainerJoin us this Saturday, July 24, at 11am on the Boston Common for a live recording of the podcast! Post a limerick about how bad our State House is on twitter with the hashtag #IMjuly24 for your chance to have your limerick read on the air! It would be easy to fund everything we want at the state level, if only our State House had the guts to do it. The Fair Share amendment, taxing unearned income, public banking and single payer medical care all play a part. Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan c...
2021-07-2026 min
Incorruptible MassRules: The way the State House is run, and why it matters (with Act On Mass)Last week, our state reps voted down three no-brainer rules that would have made our State House more transparent. Today we talk to Erin Leahy from Act On Mass about their work lobbying for these rules reforms for the last 9 months. Ironically (but not surprisingly), they sprung this vote on the reps (and on us) with less than four hours notice. Jonathan Cohn and Anna Callahan and Jordan Berg Powers (away this week) chat about Massachusetts politics. You can watch this episode on Youtube.Join us Saturday July 24th at 11am on the Boston Common as...
2021-07-1732 min
Incorruptible MassJoin us for a live broadcast July 24!https://www.incorruptiblemass.org/july-24Hi, it's Anna Callahan with a short announcement. We wanted to let you all know that we'll be having a live broadcast on Saturday, July 24th, at 11am on the Boston Common. Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and I would love to see you there in person! Bring your questions about state politics so we can answer them live on the show, and bring your kids cuz we'll have kids activities. And bring your friends, everybody's welcome, we have some fun activities planned and we promise you'll have a good time....
2021-07-1400 min
Incorruptible Mass11. Climate: MA could lead the country with a Green New DealWhile the legislature did pass some environmental legislation last session, there doesn't seem to be anything approaching a comprehensive Green New Deal-style plan that includes jobs, transportation, housing, etc. We should expect more in a state where polls say that residents would happily pay more to save our planet.Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. You can watch this episode on youtube. You’re listening to Incorruptible Massachusetts. Our goal is to help people understand state politics: investigate why it’s so broken, imagine what we could have here in MA...
2021-07-0927 min
Incorruptible Mass10. Who does our government work for? The corporations, the uber-wealthy, or us?If you don't want to get mad, don't listen to this episode. We give a bunch of examples of our city, state, and national governments bending over backward to allow corporations and the uber-wealthy to skirt the law while burdening regular people with onerous bureaucracy. Can you imagine a world where the opposite happens, where our government makes our lives easier while requiring corporations and the uber-wealthy to submit documentation and follow the law? What a crazy idea!Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. You can watch this episode on youtube.
2021-06-3032 min
Incorruptible Mass9. Amendments: Proof that our State House is bonkersDid you know that the vast majority of state reps who sponsor amendments then withdraw them before they can be voted on? Amendments could allow legislators to skip over the byzantine committee process and bring legislation to the floor. But instead of insisting that our state government consider legislation that would help millions of people, state reps use amendments as resume builders, sponsoring amendments and then withdrawing them.Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Callahan chat about Massachusetts politics. You can watch this episode on YouTube.You’re listening to Incorruptible Massachusetts. Our goal is t...
2021-06-2428 min
Incorruptible Mass8. Free Public College: How student debt is manufactured by our state legislatureStudent debt is a crushing burden on young people, one that other countries simply don't allow. While student debt could be cancelled, we must realize that student debt is only a reality because our state legislature underfunds public colleges. Special guest Timmy Sullivan joins us from PHENOM to talk about public higher ed here in Massachusetts and the history of our state government leaving us all behind. Don't miss the story of how the Cherish Act died in a committee where 2/3 of the committee members co-sponsored the bill!Jordan Berg Powers, Jonathan Cohn, and Anna Cal...
2021-06-1630 min