Testimony, Letters & Statements (2019)

December 26, 2019

Joint letter from the Food System Caucus to Department of Transitional Assistance Commissioner Kershaw

December 19, 2019

Letter to the Mass Cultural Council in support of the Northampton Community Arts Trust, Inc.’s Cultural Facilities Fund application

December 18, 2019

Letter to Massachusetts Department of Transportation regarding Capital Investment Plan process

December 10, 2019

Letter to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education regarding Gill-Montague Regional School District’s grant proposal

December 6, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on S.1819 – An Act providing federal and state budget information to residents of the commonwealth

December 5, 2019

Letter to MassDOT regarding highway attraction signage for the Emily Dickinson Museum

Letter to the Mass Cultural Council in support of the Academy of Music Theatre’s Cultural Facilities Fund application

December 3, 2019

Joint Letter supporting Treehouse Foundation DESE grant proposal

November 19, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s written testimony in support of S.1877/H.2776 – Resolve providing for the creation of a special commission relative to the seal and motto of the Commonwealth

Sen. Comerford’s oral testimony in support of S.1877/H.2776 – Resolve providing for the creation of a special commission relative to the seal and motto of the Commonwealth

Food System Caucus Co-Chairs’ testimony on S.48/H.145 – An Act relative to an agricultural healthy incentives program

Sen. Comerford’s testimony to Senate Third Reading for H.4066 – An Act relative to the board of selectmen of the town of Sunderland

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on H.4068 – An Act Abolishing the Sewer Commission of the Town of Royalston

Water and Sewer Forum Report (from the November 1, 2019 forum)

November 18, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on H.2220 and H.3662 (divest from fossil fuel companies)

November 14, 2019

Joint letter to MassDOT Secretary Pollack regarding Valley Flyer passenger rail pilot

November 13, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on corrections-related bills

Summary Report from Rural Public Health: A Path Forward Oversight Hearing (from the October 18, 2019 hearing)

November 12, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on S.1934 – An act requiring public interest considerations in gas infrastructure expansion proceedings

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on pesticide legislation

November 11, 2019

Joint letter of support for Pelham’s Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness action grant program application

Joint letter of support for Pelham’s Resilient Town Campus vision

November 6, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on ranked choice voting bills

October 31, 2019

Memo from Sen. Comerford to Senate President Spilka and Senate Ways and Means Chair Rodrigues regarding youth tobacco harm prevention strategy

October 30, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on H.4102 – An Act relative to disqualification of bidders on city contracts

October 29, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on S.29 – An Act establishing the Massachusetts foster care review office

October 28, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on S.816 – An Act providing a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness

October 24, 2019

Letter to Department of Public Health regarding certified nurse aide licensing

October 23, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on H.3121 – An Act transitioning Massachusetts to electric buses

October 22, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting H.2424 – An Act to strengthen the foundation of the Commonwealth

Letter to Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development Supporting Northampton Village Hill MassWorks Grant

October 21, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on S.2337 – An Act to extend veterans retirement buyback opportunities

October 17, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony in support of S.107 – An Act relative to the digital right to repair

October 11, 2019

Joint letter to Massachusetts Office on Disability regarding Whately’s municipal Americans with Disabilities Act improvement grant

October 8, 2019

Joint letter regarding potential policy changes to MassHealth’s regulations for disabled seniors

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting H.4002 – (transportation bond bill)

Letter of support for Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA) and the MassHire Franklin Hampshire Workforce Board (MFHWB) grant proposal

October 3, 2019

Letter from Sen. Comerford and Rep. Blais nominating Francia Wisnewski for statewide award

October 2, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s memo to Senate President Spilka on hemp

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on S.556 – An Act authorizing telemedicine services

September 27, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s comments on 400 MW SMART Review proposed regulations

September 26, 2019

Letter to Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development regarding the Eastern States Exposition

September 24, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on S.1932 (modernize electric energy grid)

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on H.897, H.736, and S.485 (forest protection)

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on S.2155 (prohibition of nuclear weapons)

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on S.2156 (investigation of impeachment)

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on S.2157 (aligning Commonwealth with UN Treaty on nuclear weapons)

Rural Caucus’ joint testimony on S.205, H.364

September 23, 2019

Memo for Sen. Barrett on climate change priorities

September 18, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony regarding proposed rate increase by the East Northfield Water Company

September 17, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on S.871 – An Act prohibiting the use of public funds to pay awards, fines or settlements in cases where public officials are found responsible or guilty of sexual harassment or assault

September 10, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting H.2686 – An Act establishing gender neutral bathrooms

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting H.3664 – An Act providing for a gender neutral designation on state documents and identifications

Food System Caucus letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding proposal to limit broad-based categorical eligibility

September 4, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting H.1717 – An Act advancing public health and safety using fentanyl testing strips

Joint letter from Food Systems Caucus Co-Chairs to House Speaker and Senate President regarding Hunger Action Month

September 3, 2019

Joint letter to the Attorney General’s Office regarding the Colrain Pitt House

August 28, 2019

Senator Comerford’s testimony supporting S.1387, S.1388, and S.1389

August 26, 2019

Joint letter to Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development regarding Warwick’s STRAP Grant application

August 23, 2019

Memo to Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Associate Commissioner Bell regarding the impact of charter school reimbursements on Hadley

August 21, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s memo to Chair Lewis regarding education funding and policy priorities of the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district

August 17, 2019

Memo to Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Associate Commissioner Bell regarding the impact of charter school reimbursements on Amherst and Northampton

August 8, 2019

Sen. Comerford & Rep. Domb’s comments to Board of Higher Education regarding college closure regulations

August 6, 2019

Letter to Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development regarding Hatfield’s MassWorks Grant

August 1, 2019

Letter to Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development regarding Northfield’s MassWorks Grant application

July 26, 2019

Letter to Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) about ServiceNet funding for crisis shelter beds

Joint letter to Department of Energy Resources (DOER) regarding proposed changes to the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards (RPS)

July 23, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s statement on Renewable Communities report

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting S.1614 – An Act improving the earned income credit for working families

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting S.1935/H.2865 (net zero stretch code)

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting S.1958/H.2836 (100% renewable energy)

Letter to Energy and Environmental Affairs supporting Kestrel Land Trust and Town of Whately conservation commitment

July 17, 2019

Joint letter to Gov. Baker requesting Western Mass appointment to DCR Stewardship Council

July 16, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony to supporting S.824, H.3566, S.913, H.3456 (right to counsel and Housing Opportunity and Mobility through Eviction Sealing [HOMES])

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting S.31 (homelessness data and hotline)

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting S.249 (equitable access to School building incentives)

July 12, 2019

Joint letter to Commissioner Lebeaux regarding the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ (MDAR) hemp policy

July 11, 2019

Letter to Department of Energy Resources (DOER) regarding Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) review and ground mounted solar

Joint letter to Commissioner Suuberg regarding natural gas compressor station

July 10, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting S.1613 – An Act supporting farming on non-contiguous land

Legislative Rural Caucus testimony supporting S.1673 – An Act establishing the Massachusetts rural jobs act

Joint letter to MassDevelopment regarding Orange Innovation Center & LaunchSpace application for the Collaborative Workspace Program Fit-Out grant

July 9, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting S.1933 – Act to Protect Ratepayers

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting S.1054 – An Act Identifying Corporate Irresponsibility

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting S.668 – Community Care for Elderly

July 1, 2019

Joint letter inviting Gov. Baker to Western Massachusetts Municipal Summit

Joint letter inviting Sec. Kennealy to Western Massachusetts Municipal Summit

June 25, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting S.28 – An Act allowing spouses to serve as caregivers

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting S.247/H.443 – An Act Prohibiting the Use of Native American Mascots by Public Schools in the Commonwealth

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting H.2870 – An Act to allow equal access solar net metering projects

June 17, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting the ROE Act, or S.1209/H.3320 – An Act to Remove Obstacles and Expand Abortion Access

June 13, 2019

Joint Letter supporting an increase of the Head Start State Supplemental Grant line item in FY20 budget

June 11, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting S.683/H.1194: An Act establishing Medicare for all in Massachusetts

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting S.2154 – An Act providing for timely reimbursement of cities and towns for veterans’ benefits

Joint letter to Gov. Baker opposing President Trump’s discriminatory armed forces policy in Massachusetts

June 10, 2019

Joint letter to Massachusetts Department of Transportation regarding Amherst’s priorities for inclusion in the Capital Investment Plan

Joint letter to Massachusetts Department of Transportation regarding Erving’s priorities for inclusion in the Capital Investment Plan

Joint letter to Massachusetts Department of Transportation regarding Greenfield’s priorities for inclusion in the Capital Investment Plan

Joint letter to Massachusetts Department of Transportation regarding Hadley’s priorities for inclusion in the Capital Investment Plan

Joint letter to Massachusetts Department of Transportation regarding Montague’s priorities for inclusion in the Capital Investment Plan

Joint letter to Massachusetts Department of Transportation regarding Northfield’s priorities for inclusion in the Capital Investment Plan

Joint letter to Massachusetts Department of Transportation regarding South Hadleys priorities for inclusion in the Capital Investment Plan

Joint letter to Massachusetts Department of Transportation regarding Sunderland’s priorities for inclusion in the Capital Investment Plan

Joint letter to Massachusetts Department of Transportation regarding Warwick’s priorities for inclusion in the Capital Investment Plan

Joint letter to Massachusetts Department of Transportation regarding Whately’s priorities for inclusion in the Capital Investment Plan

June 7, 2019

Joint letter to Massachusetts Department of Transportation regarding protective barriers on the French King Bridge

Joint letter to Massachusetts Department of Transportation regarding the General Pierce Bridge

June 6, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting S.555 – An Act relative to the continuity of care of mental health treatment

June 4, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting S.464/H.761 – An Act relative to environmental justice and toxics reduction in the Commonwealth

June 3, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting S.250 – An Act adding a suicide prevention hotline number on student identification cards

Sen. Comerford’s testimony to Education Committee regarding S.267/H.591 – An Act regarding breakfast after the bell

May 30, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting H.2858 – An Act improving outdoor lighting and increasing dark-sky visibility

Joint letter to the Cannabis Control Commission regarding 15 Arch license application

May 23, 2019

Western Massachusetts Legislative delegation letter regarding Baystate closures

May 22, 2019

Letter to Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources regarding Bardwell Farm’s ACRE application

May 20, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on S.393 – An Act limiting political spending by foreign-influenced corporations and S.394 – An Act relative to political contributions

Letter to Gov. Baker supporting Massachusetts Food Trust Program (MFTP)

May 16, 2019

Sen. Comerford & Rep. Domb’s testimony to Department of Energy Resources (DOER) on proposed regulations weakening biomass standards in the Renewable Portfolio Standard

May 14, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on S.2054 – An Act to examine the feasibility of rail service between North Adams, Greenfield and Boston

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting S.438/H.873 – An Act to promote healthy soils and agricultural innovation within the Commonwealth.

May 7, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting H.3665 – An Act Establishing Indigenous People’s Day

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting S.667/H.1137 – An Act improving access to dental care in the Commonwealth

May 6, 2020

Letter to the Department of Conservation and Recreation in support of the Hadley Snowmobile Club

Letter to the Department of Conservation and Recreation in support of the Porcupine Snowmobile Club of Shutesbury and the Mill Valley Snowmobile Club of Belchertown

April 30, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony to the Higher Education Committee supporting S.741/H.1214 – An Act to commit to higher education the resources to insure a strong and healthy public higher education system (CHERISH Act)

Sen. Comerford’s testimony to the Judiciary Committee supporting S.870 – An Act relative to protecting LGBTQ victims

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on S.1053 to reduce barriers to professional licensure for immigrants

April 25, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s Floor Speech in Support of S.2203 – An Act Relative to Gender Identity on Massachusetts Identification

April 23, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting S.469 – An Act relative to agricultural disaster relief and S.482 – An Act regarding a farmland protection and viability action plan

April 18, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting S.706/H.1133 and S.703 – drug pricing and transparency legislation

April 16, 2019

Letter to Gov. Baker about Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

April 11, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony for S.16/H.86: Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution to provide resources for education and transportation through an additional tax on incomes in excess of one million dollars

April 9, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on Low Enrollment Adjustment Factor (LEAF)

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on H.1209/S.764 – An Act relative to sexual violence on higher education campuses and H. 1208/S.736 – An Act requiring sexual misconduct climate surveys at institutions of higher education

April 8, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on S.352 – An Act relative to stabilizing the Commonwealth’s nursing facilities

April 2, 2019

Letter about proposed rule for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) requirement for able-bodied adults without dependents

Sen. Comerford’s testimony in support of S.490/H.751 – An Act promoting awareness of sewage pollution in public waters 

April 1, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting S.452 – An Act reducing plastic bag pollution

March 28, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on S.2055 – An Act relative to gender identity on Massachusetts identification

Knowledge corridor bond bill letter to Secretary Heffernan

March 27, 2019

Letter to the Attorney General’s Office regarding All Out Adventures Healthy Youth application

March 20, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on S.238/H.586 – The PROMISE Act

March 19, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on S.30 – An Act establishing a Foster Parents’ Bill of rights

March 18, 2019

Joint letter to Senate Ways and Means 8.5 million for Healthy Incentives Program FY20 Budget

March 12, 2019

Letter to Hampshire College President Miriam Nelson

March 7, 2019

Letter about Amherst origins of Sen. Comerford’s Net Zero Energy Stretch Code bill

March 5, 2019

Sen. Comerford’s testimony on H.140 – An Act relative to abusive practices to change sexual orientation and gender identity in minors

Sen. Comerford’s testimony supporting S.37/H.104 – An Act relative to well-being and care of a child / An Act to lift the cap on kids

March 4, 2019

Letter to Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judith Judson about SMART program

February 19, 2019

Letter to Undersecretary Chan about North Commons at Village Hill financing

Letter to Secretary Pollack about Amtrak fares

February 12, 2019

Letter to Executive Office for Administration and Finance regarding the Academy of Music

February 6, 2019

Letter to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission about FirstLight Hydro

Joint letter to Department of Conservation and Recreation regarding Pioneer Valley Planning Commission’s MassTrails application

January 30, 2019

Letter to Department of Conservation and Recreation regarding the Franklin Regional Council of Government, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, and Berkshire Regional Planning Association’s MassTrails application

Letter to Executive Office for Administration and Finance regarding Bernardston’s fire station

Letter to Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection regarding the Adamsville Road over Tissdell Brook Bridge Replacement project

January 24, 2019

Statement on Governor Charlie Baker’s FY 2020 budget

January 21, 2019

2019 Martin Luther King Jr. Day statement

January 18, 2019

Letter to PanAm Railways on behalf of Royalston residents

January 15, 2019

Letter to Gov. Baker regarding Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

January 15, 2019

Letter to Commissioner Roy about Brook Road Forest

January 14, 2019

Letter to the Regional Transit Authority Performance and Funding Task Force about Western Mass hearing

January 12, 2019

Senator Comerford’s remarks for Wendell State Forest rally

January 9, 2019

Letter to Secretary Pollack

Letter to Massachusetts Cultural Council supporting Amherst Media

January 8, 2019

Letter to Gov. Baker regarding federal shutdown and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)