Representative Natalie M. Blais Democrat - 1st Franklin

Representative Blais was sworn into office as the first female State Representative for the 1^st Franklin District in January 2019. Natalie proudly represents one of the most rural districts in the Commonwealth that includes 19 communities and spans three counties.

Natalie serves on the Joint Committees on Municipalities and Regional Government; Public Service; Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development; and Transportation. She was elected as Vice-Chair of the Regional Transit Authority Caucus and also serves on the Food System Caucus, Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators, the Progressive Caucus, Medicare for All Caucus, Rural Caucus and the Sportsmen’s Caucus.

As a Congressional Aide to Representatives Olver and McGovern, Natalie assisted individual constituents experiencing difficulties with the federal government. Working alongside communities, businesses and non-profits, she advanced community economic development priorities including broadband expansion, bike paths, roadway and rail projects, energy efficiency expansion and the adoption of renewable energy technology. One of Natalie’s proudest accomplishments was helping to bring the $72 million Knowledge Corridor rail expansion project to fruition. As a result of this experience, Natalie is keenly aware of the unique challenges our rural area faces when it comes to state investment and the advocacy required to ensure our voices are heard.

In 2015, Natalie became University of Massachusetts Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy’s first Chief of Staff. In this role, she served as an adviser to the Chancellor, oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Chancellor’s office and coordinated activities that advanced campus priorities with various internal and external stakeholders. Her time at UMass Amherst strengthened her belief that world-class public educational opportunities should be made available and affordable to all. Natalie believes that achieving this goal requires collaboration between our community colleges and public universities, their students and faculty and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Natalie served as the Executive Director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce located in Greenfield. Under her leadership, the Chamber has supported area businesses and advocated for state policies that benefit the rural economy. She was an outspoken proponent of expanding the region’s reputation as an outdoor recreational hub and exploring ways to enhance the creative economy.