In this episode of More Than Politics, State Senator Michael Moore sits down with the leadership team from CASA Project Worcester County — Executive Director Julie Bowditch and Training & Advocate Supervisor Krissie Shaw — to discuss the critical role Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) play in the lives of children involved in the juvenile court and foster care systems.

The conversation explores how CASA volunteers advocate for vulnerable children facing abuse, neglect, trauma, and instability, while working alongside judges, social workers, schools, and families to help children achieve permanency and stability. Julie and Chrissy explain the rigorous volunteer training process, the emotional challenges advocates face, and the profound impact volunteers can have on a child’s future.

Senator Moore and his guests also discuss:

-The growing need for CASA volunteers in Worcester County -The realities of the juvenile court system and foster care

-Trauma-informed advocacy and child welfare challenges

-The importance of cultural competency and community representation

-The high volume of child welfare cases in Central Massachusetts

-Success stories surrounding adoption and permanency for children

This episode offers a heartfelt look into the people working every day to support some of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable children — and how ordinary citizens can make an extraordinary difference through volunteer advocacy.

This is more than politics. It’s about giving children a voice when they need it most.

In this episode of More Than Politics, State Senator Michael Moore sits down with Governor’s Councilor Paul DePalo to discuss the important — and often misunderstood — role of the Massachusetts Governor’s Council.

Representing District 7 across Central Massachusetts, Councilor DePalo explains how the Governor’s Council advises and consents on judicial appointments, parole board members, pardons, commutations, and other key positions that impact the justice system across the Commonwealth.

The conversation provides viewers with a behind-the-scenes look at how judges are nominated and confirmed, what qualities matter most in judicial appointments, and how the system balances public safety, fairness, and accountability. Senator Moore and Councilor DePalo also discuss:

-The judicial nomination and vetting process

-The role of the Governor’s Council in confirming judges and parole board members

-Public concerns around bail, dangerousness hearings, and parole decisions

-Victims’ rights and participation in parole hearings

-Challenges facing juvenile courts and the importance of judicial temperament

-CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and supporting vulnerable children in the court system

The episode offers an informative look at one of Massachusetts government’s lesser-known constitutional bodies and highlights how decisions made within the justice system can have long-lasting impacts on families, communities, and public safety.

From Beacon Hill to the courtroom, More Than Politics brings viewers deeper conversations about the issues and institutions shaping Massachusetts.

In this episode of More Than Politics, State Senator Michael Moore sits down with Jon Weaver, President & CEO of Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI), to explore the growth of the life sciences industry in Worcester and across Central Massachusetts.

MBI, the state’s oldest life sciences incubator, has helped launch nearly 200 companies, creating over 1,800 jobs and generating more than $1.4 billion in investment. Weaver shares how Worcester transformed into a global hub for biotech and biomanufacturing—what he calls a “40-year overnight success.”

The conversation breaks down how incubators work, supporting early-stage companies with lab space, equipment, mentorship, and funding pathways to help turn groundbreaking ideas—like new treatments for disease—into real-world solutions. They also discuss the challenges startups face, including long development timelines, high costs, and the need to attract investment.

Senator Moore and Weaver also dive into the future of the industry, including:

-The rise of biomanufacturing and bioindustrial innovation

-Workforce development and creating career opportunities locally

-The need for more lab and manufacturing space in Worcester

-State and federal investments supporting innovation

-How Massachusetts stays competitive in a global biotech economy

From cutting-edge medical research to sustainable materials and future technologies, this episode highlights how innovation in Central Massachusetts is shaping industries—and improving lives—around the world.