Massachusetts State Senators, Representatives, and Legislative Staff Meet with Brandeis Students
February 25, 2025
“Advocacy for Policy Change” students were welcomed to the Massachusetts State House February 25th by State Senator – and Brandeis alum – Becca Rausch ’01.
Senator Rausch shared insights about her journey from Brandeis undergraduate to state senator, and about the process of legislating.
Students in ENACT Director Melissa Stimell’s “Advocacy for Policy Change” (LGLS 161b) work in small teams each focused on a bill they have chosen that is being considered by the state legislature. They learn about the bill, connect with community organizations focused on the issue, and learn how to meet with legislators and legislative staff.
During this State House visit Senator Rausch connected students with Senator Sal DiDomenico, Representative James O’Day, Representative Jay Livingstone, and legislative staff for many other legislators – all of whom are working on bills the students are advocating for this semester.
It was a special opportunity to learn more about their chosen issues and about how they can effectively advocate over the course of the semester.
Fresh with insights from state legislators and their staff, students toured the historic State House guided by Senators Rausch and DiDomenico and ENACT’s Distinguished Legislative Mentor retired State Representative Jay Kaufman ’68, MA ’73.