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Matt Laslo
Former Contributing Washington DC Reporter

Based on Capitol Hill, Matt Laslo is a freelance reporter who covers Congress, the White House and the Supreme Court. While he has filed stories from Washington for more than 40 local NPR stations, his work has also appeared in The Atlantic, The Chattanooga Times Free Press, National Public Radio, The Omaha World-Herald, Pacifica Radio, Politics Magazine, and Washingtonian Magazine. He has also displayed an amazing ability to blend traditional reporting with new media through his former blog for Capitol News Connection with PRI and his prodigious use of Twitter where he has brought Congress to life for his 4,390 followers.
Since 2009 Laslo has sat on the board at the Regional Reporters Association where he helps represent the dwindling numbers of regional reporters based in Washington. In 2010 he completed the Paul Miller Washington Reporting Fellowship, which is put on by the National Press Foundation. That same year he was also honored to be picked as one of three judges of the prestigious Joan S. Barone Award that's awarded through the Radio/Television Correspondents Association. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Covenant College and a MA from the Johns Hopkins University (cum laude).
GOP Shakeup Could Have An Effect On California
October 8, 2015
UPDATE: Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy has withdrawn his candidacy for House Speaker.
In Wake Of Gay Marriage Ruling, Sacramento-Area Representatives Ponder Next Steps
August 19, 2015
Now that the Supreme Court has legalized same sex marriage, conservatives in Congress, including Sacramento-area Republicans, are debating how to protect religious groups who disagree with the ruling.
Transportation Bill Could Be A Hallmark Of Barbara Boxer's Senate Career
July 13, 2015
Two issues have been consistent in the Capitol Hill career of retiring California Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer: climate change and transportation. As her time in the Senate winds down, Boxer is facing one more uphill battle.
Bera Angers Organized Labor Over Fast-Track Trade Vote
June 15, 2015
Sacramento Democratic Congressman Ami Bera has spent the last month weathering a blistering assault from organized labor over his support of the bill that would give the president fast track trade authority.
New Sacramento Area Lawmakers Getting Ready To Take The Reins In Congress
December 22, 2014
As Congress prepares for the New Year, Sacramento area lawmakers are looking ahead to the changing guard with from quite different perspectives. Here's a look ahead at the fights brewing in Washington that will have a big impact on California.
Ami Bera, Doug Ose In D.C. For U.S. House Of Representatives Orientation
November 14, 2014
Thousands of votes remain to be counted, but both candidates in Sacramento's Seventh Congressional District race are on Capitol Hill this week for formal orientation to the House of Representatives.
Centuries-Old Benefit Lets U.S. Lawmakers Use Tax Dollars For Social Media
October 6, 2014
A mailing privilege given by the Founding Fathers in the 18th Century to U.S. lawmakers so they could stay in touch with folks back home is being used to pay for social media advertising in the 21st Century.
Boxer Says Court Decision Turns Religious Freedom Act On Its Head, Wants To Overturn
July 10, 2014
Senator Barbara Boxer wants to overturn the Supreme Court's Hobby Lobby decision.
Lawmakers Clash Over How To Restore Dwindling Highway Trust Fund
July 9, 2014
A major problem is looming for California's roads -- the federal money used to maintain them is drying up.
Nevada Senator Wants Long-Term Unemployment Benefits Extension
July 7, 2014
A Nevada Republican Senator is having a hard time getting traction for restoring long-term unemployment benefits.