“Legislation for Change” (LGLS121) hosts Massachusetts State Representative Thomas Stanley
October 9, 2025
On October 9th, Massachusetts State Representative Thomas Stanley of Waltham visited Legislation for Change: Research, Policy, and Social Determinants of Health (LGLS121), taught by ENACT Assistant Director of Research Charlotte Powley.
The course examines state level policy making and reform through exploration of the five domains of the social determinants of health.
Representative Stanley discussed his journey to the state house and his current legislative priorities.
“It’s important to share my experience with students and it’s good for me to hear their perspectives,” he said after the conversation. “It’s always reinvigorating to meet with young people who are smart and have energy and want to go out and tackle problems in the world. We need that to make positive change.”
Students were also given an opportunity to share their areas of interest and their ideas for future legislation.
“I feel very motivated from hearing Rep. Stanley speak,” said one attendee.
“At times, it feels as if our politicians are out of touch or ignoring what's going on. It was refreshing to hear Rep. Stanley's perspective on the current state of our country.”