Shadows on the Hill

The Blue State That Won’t Pass Blue Laws

In the Massachusetts House of Representatives, the Speaker decides which bills live, which ones die, and who gets punished for speaking out. Debate is staged. Outcomes are decided in advance. And the bills YOU voted for (the ones your Representative campaigned on) are buried in silence.

Shadows on the Hill is a documentary about the real reason common-sense laws don’t pass, even when they’re backed by voters, policy experts, and a supermajority of lawmakers.

Democrats control every lever of state government, and the party platform champions bold, popular reforms, like single-payer healthcare and universal pre-K. And yet, year after year, the Statehouse blocks even the most broadly supported bills, including:

• Stopping Wage Theft
• Same-Day Voter Registration
• Ending State/Local Collaboration with ICE
• LGBTQ+ Inclusive Sex Ed
• Banning Cash Bail, and Mandatory Minimum Sentences
• Ending Daylight Savings Time

Reclaiming Democracy Starts Here

Shadows on the Hill isn’t just about Massachusetts — it’s about how power hides, how democracy gets subverted, and how we can fight back. If we can expose the rot here — in one of the most progressive states in the country — we can expose it everywhere.

The system isn’t broken by accident. It’s working exactly as intended: to protect insiders, punish defiance, and bury popular change before it ever reaches a public vote. We’re here to shine a light on it.

But this film will only exist if people like you help make it happen. If you’re tired of being shut out, lied to, and ignored — join us. Help us remind every politician who they work for — and who’s still watching.

Clockwise from top left: Diana DiZoglio (MA State Auditor), Jonathan Cohn (Policy Director, Progressive Mass), Jordan Berg Powers (former Executive Director, Mass Alliance), Scotia Hille (Executive Director, Act on Mass)

Want Your Name in the Movie? Here’s How:

We rely on funding from everyday people like you, not big money interests. If you donate at one of the tiers below, we’ll give you a shoutout!

$16.70 — Your Name on Our Donor Page
Only 16.7% of voters showed up to the 2024 State Primaries. Want to help change that? Set a reminder to vote on September 15th, 2026!

…but also donate at least $16.70, so we can proudly feature your name on our website.

$72 — Your Name in the End Credits
Last year, 72% of voters approved a ballot question giving the state auditor authority to audit the Legislature. Despite the clear public mandate, the Legislature has refused to comply.

Help us shine a spotlight on this. Donate $72 or more and we’ll put your name in the credits.

$2,009 — We’ll Say (Almost) Anything You Want in the End Credits
Aaron Michlewitz (heir apparent to the Speakership) hasn’t faced a primary challenge since 2009, yet he’s raised over $1.3 million in campaign funds.

Help us lay bare how money buys influence. After a $2,009+ donation, write whatever you’d like* on this form and we’ll proudly say it in the credits under “We Were Shamelessly Paid to Say This.” Our tone is satirical, but our gratitude is genuine.

*100 characters or less. Inclusion subject to legal and editorial review. The director may omit messages for legal, ethical, or content concerns. We’ll reach out if there’s an issue.

$10,000+ — “Made Possible in Part by [Your Name / Organization / Company]” in the Opening Credits
We don’t mind putting our biggest donors front and center. How about the people we elect?

~Check out our website to learn more~