Jo Comerford

Joint Committee on Transportation Hearing
2020-01-02 10:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Room A-1, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Transportation will hold a hearing on bills relative to service planning, CDL safety, paratransit and placards, data privacy, road maintenance, registration, rentals, and drones (full list of bills here), including the below bill co-sponsored by Senator Comerford.
We invite you to submit written testimony and/or testify in person on bills you care about. Testimony on bills in this hearing should be addressed to Committee Co-Chairs Senator Joseph Boncore and Representative William Straus. To submit written testimony, email the Committee Co-Chairs (Joseph.Boncore@masenate.gov, William.Straus@mahouse.gov) and feel free to copy Senator Comerford (Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov).

Bill
Bill Title
Sponsor

S.2107
An Act to study the feasibility of high-speed rail access between Pittsfield and Boston via Springfield
Eric P. Lesser

Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change Oversight Hearing
2019-12-19 13:00 - 16:00 | Room 428, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change will conduct an oversight hearing on updates to the Transportation Climate Initiative and recommendations for climate action.
Testimony will be provided by invitation only. Those attending include the Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and various environmental advocates.

CANCELLED The People's Office in Amherst
2019-12-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Sen. Comerford’s District Office (old), UMass Amherst, Isenberg School of Management, Suite 101, 121 Presidents Drive, Amherst, MA, 01003
The December 18 office hours in Amherst have been cancelled.

Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy Hearing
2019-12-17 11:00 - 14:00 | Room A-2, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy will hold a hearing on bills relative to medical, research, as well as late file bills (bills listed here).
We invite you to submit written testimony and/or testify in person on bills you care about. Testimony on bills in this hearing should be addressed to Committee Co-Chairs Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz and Representative David Rogers. To submit written testimony, email the Committee Co-Chairs (Sonia.Chang-Diaz@masenate.gov, Dave.Rogers@mahouse.gov) and feel free to copy Senator Comerford (Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov).

Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Hearing
2019-12-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Room A-1, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security will hold a hearing on bills listed here, including the below bill co-sponsored by Senator Comerford.
We invite you to submit written testimony and/or testify in person on bills you care about. Testimony on bills in this hearing should be addressed to Committee Co-Chairs Senator Micahel Moore and Representative Harold Naughton. To submit written testimony, email the Committee Co-Chairs (Michael.Moore@masenate.gov, Harold.Naughton@mahouse.gov) and feel free to copy Senator Comerford (Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov).

Bill
Bill Title
Sponsor

S.1463
An Act relative to furthering the success of opiate intervention programs
Walter F. Timilty

Amherst's State of the Town Address
2019-12-12 18:00 - 20:30 | Amherst Regional Middle School, 170 Chestnut Street, Amherst, MA, 01002
Please join us for a State of the Town Address Address where municipal and state leaders will give brief speeches related to how things are going in the community.
Remarks will be made by:
Amherst Town Council President Lynn Griesemer
Town Manager Paul Bockelman
State Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton
State Rep. Mindy Domb, D-Amherst
School Committee Chairwoman Anastasia Ordonez
Jones Library Board of Trustees Chairman Austin Sarat

There will also be a ceremonial swearing-in for new and promoted police officers and firefighters, as well as entertainment by Amherst High School Performers.

Joint Committee on Public Health Hearing
2019-12-10 13:00 - 17:00 | Room A-2, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Public Health will hold a hearing on bills relative to disposition of remains, mandated benefit, vital records, and miscellaneous late file bills (bills listed here).
We invite you to submit written testimony and/or testify in person on bills you care about. Testimony on bills in this hearing should be addressed to Committee Co-Chairs Senator Jo Comerford and Representative John Mahoney. To submit written testimony, email the Committee Co-Chairs (Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov, John.Mahoney@mahouse.gov).

The People's Office in South Hadley
2019-12-09 10:00 - 13:00 | South Hadley Town Hall, 116 Main Street, Room 109, South Hadley, MA, 01075
Senator Comerford’s team seeks to be as accessible as possible to constituents living in the 24 cities and towns of the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district. In addition to our availability to attend meetings and events, and to schedule individual meetings with constituents, District Director Elena Cohen will be holding regular office hours throughout the district.
All locations are wheelchair accessible. Feel free to contact Elena with any questions by email at elena.cohen@masenate.gov or by calling our district office at (413) 367-4656.
Come see us!
Public Transit Directions
South Hadley Town Hall is accessible by bus: R29, X90

The People's Office Library Tour in Gill
2019-12-07 13:00 - 14:00 | Slate Memorial Library, 332 Main Road, Gill, MA, 01354
Libraries are vital institutions in our communities. They serve as gathering places, educational and cultural resources, introductions to literacy, and so much more. To celebrate the central role libraries play in our communities, Senator Jo Comerford will be traveling to a library in each of the 24 cities and towns in her district from October to May.
Join Jo for an informal gathering at your local library to learn more about the work she’s doing on your behalf in the legislature, ask questions, and join in on the conversation about issues affecting your community.

The People's Office Library Tour in Royalston
2019-12-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Phinehas S. Newton Library, 19 On The Common, Royalston, MA, 01368

Legislative Listening Sessions
2019-12-06 15:30 - 18:30 | Sunderland Public Library, 20 School Street, Sunderland, MA, 01375
Senator Jo Comerford and Representatives Natalie Blais, Dan Carey, and Mindy Domb will host December’s Legislative Listening Sessions, intended to bring Beacon Hill to western Massachusetts.
The December 6 sessions will focus on economic development and Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, will join the western Massachusetts legislators.
Legislative Listening Sessions are 30-minute meetings between the legislators and constituent groups whose work spans the region. Advanced sign up is required to present at a session and priority will be given to those groups who have not presented at a past session.
The sessions are open for the public to watch and listen. All sessions are currently filled for December 6.

Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy Hearing
2019-12-05 10:00 - 13:00 | Room A-2, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy will hold a hearing on the below bills relative to prevention and regulation.
We invite you to submit written testimony and/or testify in person on bills you care about. Testimony on bills in this hearing should be addressed to Committee Co-Chairs Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz and Representative David Rogers. To submit written testimony, email the Committee Co-Chairs (Sonia.Chang-Diaz@masenate.gov, Dave.Rogers@mahouse.gov) and feel free to copy Senator Comerford (Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov).

Bill No.
Sponsor
Title

H.3511
Ashe, Brian M. (HOU)
An Act to increase addiction treatment services

H.3512
Ayers, Bruce J. (HOU)
An Act dedicating one-percent of the recreational marijuana excise tax to youth substance use prevention

H.3518
Durant, Peter J. (HOU)
An Act relative to the deceptive marketing of marijuana

H.3523
Hunt, Daniel J. (HOU)
An Act to protect children from the use of alcohol and marijuana

H.3526
Kane, Hannah (HOU)
An Act further regulating the promotion of marijuana and marijuana products

H.3528
Kane, Hannah (HOU)
An Act relative to possession and consumption of marijuana or marijuana accessories

H.3534
O’Day, James, J. (HOU)
An Act increasing the legal age for marijuana consumption and purchase from 21 to 25

H.3537
Rogers, David M. (HOU)
An Act relative to employment discrimination protections for legal cannabis

H.3704
Kane, Hannah (HOU)
An Act relative to establishing a minimum age of entry for cannabis-related events, conferences, forums and exhibitions

H.3751
Tyler, Chynah (HOU)
An Act to eliminate workplace drug testing for marijuana

S.1132
O’Connor, Patrick M. (SEN)
An Act dedicating one-percent of the recreational marijuana excise tax to youth substance use prevention

Joint Committee on Public Health Hearing
2019-12-03 13:00 - 18:30 | Gardner Auditorium, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133, United States
The Joint Committee on Public Health will hold a hearing on bills relative to vaccines (bills listed here).
We invite you to submit written testimony and/or testify in person on bills you care about. Testimony on bills in this hearing should be addressed to Committee Co-Chairs Senator Jo Comerford and Representative John Mahoney. To submit written testimony, email the Committee Co-Chairs (Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov, John.Mahoney@mahouse.gov).

The People's Office in Amherst
2019-11-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Sen. Comerford’s District Office (old), UMass Amherst, Isenberg School of Management, Suite 101, 121 Presidents Drive, Amherst, MA, 01003
Senator Comerford’s team seeks to be as accessible as possible to constituents living in the 24 cities and towns of the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district. In addition to our availability to attend meetings and events, and to schedule individual meetings with constituents, District Director Elena Cohen and Director of Constituent Engagement Sam Hopper will be holding regular office hours throughout the district.
All locations are wheelchair accessible. Feel free to contact Elena with any questions by email at elena.cohen@masenate.gov or by calling our district office at (413) 367-4656.
Come see us!
Public Transit Directions
Senator Comerford’s UMass office is accessible by bus: B43, 38, R29

Joint Committee on Public Health Hearing
2019-11-19 12:00 - 17:00 | A-1 & A-2, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Public Health will hold a hearing on bills relative to professional licensure and scope of practice (bills listed here), including the below bill sponsored by Senator Comerford.
We invite you to submit written testimony and/or testify in person on bills you care about. Testimony on bills in this hearing should be addressed to Committee Co-Chairs Senator Jo Comerford and Representative John Mahoney. To submit written testimony, email the Committee Co-Chairs (Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov, John.Mahoney@mahouse.gov).

Bill
Bill Title
Sponsor

S.1222
An Act relative to the board of registration in naturopathy
Jo Comerford

Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Hearing
2019-11-19 10:00 - 13:00 | Room B-1, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities will hold a hearing on bills relative to the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), including the below bills co-sponsored by Senator Comerford. (To view the full list of bills being heard, visit the hearing page.)
We invite you to submit written testimony and/or testify in person on bills you care about. Testimony on bills in this hearing should be addressed to Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Co-Chairs Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz and Representative Kay Khan. To submit written testimony, email the Committee Co-Chairs (Sonia.Chang-Diaz@masenate.gov, Kay.Khan@mahouse.gov) and feel free to copy Senator Comerford (jo.comerford@masenate.gov).

Bill
Bill Title
Sponsor

S.58
An Act relative to economic mobility for families with low-income
Jason M. Lewis

S.48
An Act relative to an agricultural healthy incentives program
Anne M. Gobi

H.145
An Act relative to an agricultural healthy incentives program
Paul W. Mark

Joint Committee on Public Service Hearing
2019-11-18 11:00 - 15:00 | Gardner Auditorium, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133, United States
The Joint Committee on Public Service will hold a hearing on bills relative to investments (bills listed here), including the below bills co-sponsored by Senator Comerford.
We invite you to submit written testimony and/or testify in person on bills you care about. Testimony on bills in this hearing should be addressed to Committee Co-Chairs Senator Michael Brady and Representative Jerald Parisella. To submit written testimony email Committee Co-Chairs Senator (Michael.Brady@masenate.gov, Jared.Parisella@mahouse.gov) and feel free to copy Senator Comerford (Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov).

Bill
Bill Title
Sponsor

H.2220
An Act relative to public investment in fossil fuels
Marjorie C. Decker

H.3662
An Act authorizing independent retirement systems to divest from fossil fuel companies
Dylan A. Fernandes

The People's Office Library Tour in Bernardston
2019-11-16 15:30 - 16:30 | Cushman Library, 28 Church Street, Bernardston, MA, 01337

The People's Office Library Tour in Colrain
2019-11-16 13:30 - 14:30 | Griswold Memorial Library, 12 Main Road, Colrain, MA, 01340

North Quabbin Community Coalition Open Forum & Legislative Roundtable
2019-11-15 09:00 - 10:30 | Orange American Legion, 40 Daniel Shays Highway, Orange, MA, 01364
Join this great opportunity to network with area agencies, businesses, government officials, civic groups, and other interested individuals and organizations. This event features a legislative roundtable where Senator Jo Comerford will speak. All are welcome!

Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Hearing
2019-11-13 14:00 - 17:00 | Room A-2, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security will hold a hearing on bills relative to corrections (bills listed here), including the below bills co-sponsored by Senator Comerford.
We invite you to submit written testimony and/or testify in person on bills you care about. Testimony on bills in this hearing should be addressed to Committee Co-Chairs Senator Micahel Moore and Representative Harold Naughton. To submit written testimony, email the Committee Co-Chairs (Michael.Moore@masenate.gov, Harold.Naughton@mahouse.gov) and feel free to copy Senator Comerford (Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov).

Bill
Bill Title
Sponsor

S.1374
An Act relative to access to community corrections
William N. Brownsberger

S.1379
An Act to strengthen inmate visitation
Sonia Chang-Díaz

S.1430
An Act relative to inmate telephone call rates
Mark C. Montigny

S.1453
An Act to ensure compliance with the anti-shackling law for pregnant incarcerated women
Rebecca L. Rausch

Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Hearing
2019-11-12 13:00 - 17:00 | Gardner Auditorium, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133, United States
The Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy will hold a hearing on bills relative to natural gas, including the below bill Senator Comerford sponsored. (To view the full list of bills being heard, visit the hearing page.)
We invite you to submit written testimony and/or testify in person on bills you care about. Testimony on bills in this hearing should be addressed to Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Co-Chairs Senator Michael Barrett and Representative Thomas Golden. To submit written testimony, email the Committee Co-Chairs (Mike.Barrett@masenate.gov, Thomas.Golden@mahouse.gov) and feel free to copy Senator Comerford (Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov).

Bill
Bill Title
Sponsor

S.1934
An Act requiring public interest considerations in gas infrastructure expansion proceedings
Jo Comerford

Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Hearing
2019-11-12 13:00 - 17:00 | Room B-1, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Financial Services will hold a hearing on bills relative to pollinators and pesticides (bills listed here), including the below bills co-sponsored by Senator Comerford.
We invite you to submit written testimony and/or testify in person on bills you care about. Testimony on bills in this hearing should be addressed to Committee Co-Chairs Senator Anne Gobi and Representative Smitty Pignatelli. To submit written testimony, email the Committee Co-Chairs Senator (Anne.Gobi@masenate.gov, Rep.Smitty@mahouse.gov) and feel free to copy Senator Comerford (Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov).

Bill
Bill Title
Sponsor

S.447
An Act empowering towns and cities to protect residents and the environment from harmful pesticides
Julian Cyr

S.463
An Act protecting pollinators by eliminating harmful products
James B. Eldridge

S.499
An Act relative to the use of glyphosate on public lands
Jason M. Lewis

Joint Committee on Revenue Hearing
2019-11-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Room B-2, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Revenue will hold a bill hearing (bills listed here).
We invite you to submit written testimony and/or testify in person on bills you care about. Testimony on bills in this hearing should be addressed to Committee Co-Chairs Senator Adam Hinds and Representative Mark Cusack. To submit written testimony, email the Committee Co-Chairs (Adam.Hinds@masenate.gov, Mark.Cusack@mahouse.gov) and feel free to copy Senator Comerford (Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov).

Joint Committee on Public Service Hearing
2019-11-12 10:00 - 13:00 | Room A-2, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Public Service will hold a hearing on bills relative to group classification (bills listed here), including the below bill co-sponsored by Senator Comerford.
We invite you to submit written testimony and/or testify in person on bills you care about. Testimony on bills in this hearing should be addressed to Committee Co-Chairs Senator Michael Brady and Representative Jerald Parisella. To submit written testimony email Committee Co-Chairs Senator (Michael.Brady@masenate.gov, Jared.Parisella@mahouse.gov) and feel free to copy Senator Comerford (Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov).

Bill
Bill Title
Sponsor

S.1563
An Act relative to the alignment of the University of Massachusetts police
Michael O. Moore

The People's Office in Greenfield
2019-11-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Greenfield – GCC Downtown, 270 Main Street, Greenfield, MA, 01301
Senator Comerford’s team seeks to be as accessible as possible to constituents living in the 24 cities and towns of the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district. In addition to our availability to attend meetings and events, and to schedule individual meetings with constituents, District Director Elena Cohen will be holding regular office hours throughout the district.
All locations are wheelchair accessible. Feel free to contact Elena with any questions by email at elena.cohen@masenate.gov or by calling our district office at (413) 367-4656.
Come see us!
Public Transit Directions
GCC Downtown is accessible by bus: 20, 21, 23, 24, 31, 32, 41

Joint Committee on the Election Laws Hearing
2019-11-06 13:00 - 17:00 | Room A-1, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on the Election Laws will hold a hearing on bills relative to early voting and ranked choice voting (bills listed here), including the below bills co-sponsored by Senator Comerford.
We invite you to submit written testimony and/or testify in person on bills you care about. Testimony on bills in this hearing should be addressed to Committee Co-Chairs Senator Barry Finegold and Representative John Lawn. To submit written testimony, email the Committee Co-Chairs (Barry.Finegold@masenate.gov, John.Lawn@mahouse.gov) and feel free to copy Senator Comerford (Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov).

Bill
Bill Title
Sponsor

S.383
An Act restoring financial transparency in presidential elections
Michael J. Barrett

S.406
An Act promoting access to democracy in Massachusetts
Adam G. Hinds

S.414
An Act to use of ranked choice voting in elections
Jason M. Lewis

S.420
An Act providing a local option for ranked choice voting in municipal elections
Rebecca L. Rausch

Joint Committee on Financial Services Hearing
2019-11-05 13:00 - 16:00 | Room B-1, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Financial Services will hold a hearing on bills listed here, including the below bill co-sponsored by Senator Comerford.
We invite you to submit written testimony and/or testify in person on bills you care about. Testimony on bills in this hearing should be addressed to Committee Co-Chairs Senator James Welch and Representative James Murphy. To submit written testimony, email the Committee Co-Chairs (James.Welch@masenate.gov, James.Murphy@mahouse.gov) and feel free to copy Senator Comerford (Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov).

Bill
Bill Title
Sponsor

H.908
An Act requiring mental health parity for disability policies
Ruth B. Balser

VoteTruth: Celebrating Sojourner Truth on the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage
2019-11-05 13:00 - 14:00 | Sojourner Truth Statue Memorial Park, Corner of Park and Pine Streets, Florence, MA, 01062
Bring your “I VOTED” sticker to the Sojourner Truth statue!
The newly formed VoteTruth Committee, with co-sponsoring organizations from across the community, welcomes all to celebrate Sojourner Truth on Election Day, November 5th 2019 as part of national celebrations during this year of the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage. This will be the first election day celebration of Sojourner Truth to honor her significant contribution to the advancement of women’s right to vote.
Loretta Ross, Rose Sackey-Milligan, Rhonda Soto, Senator Jo Comerford will speak and there will be performers from Paulo Freire Social Justice Charter High School.
For more info, email votesojournertruth@gmail.com.

Amherst Affordable Housing: Opportunities for Growth
2019-11-04 18:45 - 21:00 | Social Hall – Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst, 121 N Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01002
Join Amherst town representatives, Representative Mindy Domb, and Senator Jo Comerford for an Amherst housing forum. The purpose of the forum is to highlight current housing problems in Amherst, share legislative efforts to address housing problems, gather support for Affordable Housing Policy, and update stakeholders on progress made since the last forum.
If you are a low income individual or family in Amherst, it’s very difficult to find housing. The Fall Housing Forum will look at both strengths and shortcomings in our community and examine both local and state-level efforts to address this important problem.
The forum will be organized in three parts:

Presentations on progress in developing affordable housing in Amherst and what we must do locally to take steps to assure further development.
Presentations by Senator Joanne Comerford and Representative Mindy Domb on State budget changes and pending legislation that will affect affordable housing, and
Breakout groups to consider the following:
a. How a Town Housing Policy can promote the development of new affordable housing in Amherst
b. Influencing Housing change through Legislative action
c. What can we do to address homelessness and to support the Amherst seasonal shelter
d. Improving access to affordable rentals in Amherst

The Amherst League of Women Voters, The Amherst Affordable Housing Advocacy Coalition, and the Amherst Municipal Affordable Housing Trust have collaborated to organize this forum.
