180. Senator Machaela Cavanaugh on the Tumultuous 107th Legislative Session and What She Hopes for in Her Current Term

Machaela Cavanaugh represents Nebraska's 6th District in the
Unicameral. She was re-elected to a second term in 2022 and in
2023, Cavanaugh made national news when she filibustered LB574,
also known as the Let Them Grow Act, which bans gender-affirming
care for Nebraska children. Cavanaugh spoke on the bill up to 12
hours a day for 11 weeks. LB574 was passed by the Legislature in
May and went into effect last October.


In the current legislative session, which began on January 3rd,
Cavanaugh says she's focused on supporting Nebraska's working
poor. She's prioritizing paid family leave, universal school
meals, and securing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or
TANF. On today's show, Cavanaugh is in conversation with Maria
Corpuz about her historic filibuster, building relationships in a
divided legislature, and her hopes for the 108th Legislative
Session.