In Episode 23 of Moore Than Politics, State Senator Michael Moore sits down with Dave Minasian of the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Local 336, for a wide-ranging conversation about the skilled trades, organized labor, and the future of the construction workforce in Massachusetts.

With more than 30,000 members represented across the Northeast, the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters plays a major role in training the next generation of skilled workers while advocating for wages, benefits, retirement security, and safe working conditions.

Senator Moore and Minasian discuss why unions still matter to working families, the growing problem of wage theft and illegal contracting practices, and the challenges facing workers as housing, healthcare, education, and everyday living expenses continue to rise. They also take a closer look at careers in the skilled trades and the opportunities available through union apprenticeship programs. Menasian explains why employers aren't necessarily looking for someone who already knows how to swing a hammer—they're looking for people with the attitude, work ethic, and desire to learn. The skills can be taught.

The conversation also explores the remarkable training happening at the Carpenters' facility in Millbury—from commercial construction and welding to rigging, blueprint technology and even underwater welding. Plus, they tackle some of the bigger issues affecting Massachusetts construction today, including the housing shortage, tariffs and material costs, energy policy, major infrastructure projects, and the increasing demand for skilled workers.

For young people considering what comes after high school—or adults thinking about a career change—this episode offers a revealing look at an often-overlooked path to a middle-class career with training, healthcare and retirement benefits, without necessarily following the traditional four-year college route.

Moore Than Politics goes beyond the headlines for conversations about the issues affecting Massachusetts residents, their families, and their communities.

In this episode of More Than Politics, State Senator Michael Moore sits down with Dave Charbonneau, the new President of the Massachusetts Elks Association, to take a closer look at an organization that has been serving communities for generations.

With approximately 37,000 members across 54 Massachusetts lodges, the Elks support an impressive range of charitable and community programs. Dave discusses the organization's work with veterans, youth programs, drug awareness initiatives, scholarships, food pantries, schools, Special Olympics, and other local causes.

The conversation also explores the Elks' longstanding commitment to veterans, including programs that help veterans transitioning from homelessness into apartments by providing household essentials and other support.

Senator Moore and Dave also discuss the challenge facing many traditional civic organizations today: attracting a new generation of volunteers. Dave explains why getting involved doesn't have to mean doing everything—it can simply mean finding a cause you're passionate about and lending a hand.

One example is the Build a Bed program, where volunteers come together to physically build beds for children who need them—a local effort Dave is now bringing to the state level. From helping veterans and supporting students to strengthening communities across Massachusetts, you may be surprised by just how much the Elks do.

This is more than politics. It's about community, service, and finding a way to make a difference.

In this episode of More Than Politics, State Senator Michael Moore sits down with Dr. Bruce Moore, Professor Emeritus at the New England College of Optometry and Co-Chair of the Children's Vision Massachusetts Coalition, to discuss an issue affecting thousands of children across the Commonwealth: undiagnosed vision problems.

Dr. Moore explains how untreated vision issues can significantly impact a child's ability to learn, often being mistaken for learning disabilities or behavioral problems. Together, they explore why early vision screening matters, how improving access to eye care can help close the achievement gap, and why Massachusetts is becoming a national leader in children's vision policy.

The conversation also highlights recently passed Senate legislation aimed at improving follow-up care after school vision screenings, collecting better statewide data, and ensuring children—especially those in foster care and underserved communities—receive the eye care they need to succeed.

Topics include:

-How vision problems affect learning and reading

-Why some children are mistakenly identified as having learning disabilities

-The importance of early childhood vision screenings

-The connection between vision, education, and long-term success

-Improving access to eye care across Massachusetts

-Senate legislation to address disparities in children's vision

-Why Massachusetts is leading the nation in children's vision policy

Whether you're a parent, educator, healthcare professional, or policymaker, this episode offers valuable insight into how something as simple as better vision can transform a child's future.

This is more than politics. It's about giving every child the opportunity to learn, succeed, and reach their full potential.