Jo Comerford

Beyond Gun Laws: A Conversation about Keeping Our Community Safe and Preventing Violence
2020-02-11 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Hatfield Elementary School, 33 Main Street, Hatfield, MA, 01038
Join Hatfield HEADS Up for a panel discussion on keeping our communities safe and preventing violence.
Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan will moderate a panel discussion on the ramifications of school violence, the impact of school shooting drills on students, how schools and parents can help young people cope with regular school shooter drills and fear of violence, the status of gun related legislation in Massachusetts, and how communities can balance fun rights with community safety. Panelists include:

State Senator Jo Comerford
State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa
Josh Miller, Smith College School for Social Work professor
Hatfield Police Chief Mike Dekoshak
Heather White, MA Chapter of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention
Smith Academy student Ava Carter-Meo

Following the panel, there will be opportunities for questions and comments from the audience.
The keynote speaker will be Anne Thalheimer, a survivor of a 1992 school shooting at Simon’s Rock College in Great Barrington, Holyoke-based artist, educator, and part of a flagship leadership program for survivors of gun violence.
Child care is available by calling Jackie Pelc at (413) 247-5101 or Kristy Dadmun at (413) 247-5641 by February 2, 2020.
HEADS Up will provide refreshments.
Snow date is February 12.

The People's Office Library Tour in Leyden
2020-02-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Leyden Town Hall, 16 W Leyden Road, Leyden, MA, 01301
Important location information:
Because the Robertson Memorial Library cannot accommodate a large group, our schedule will be as follows:

12:45 p.m. – 12:55 p.m.: The Senator will take a brief tour of the Robertson Memorial Library (849 Greenfield Road)
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: We will convene for a larger group conversation at the Leyden Town Hall in the downstairs cafe (16 West Leyden Road)

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 Northfield
2020-02-08 11:00 - 12:00 | Dickinson Memorial Library, 115 Main Street, Northfield, MA, 01360
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.

Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change Oversight Hearing
2020-02-05 13:30 - 15:00 | Room A-1, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change will conduct an oversight hearing on climate change polling from MassINC Polling Group. Those invited include MassINC.
Testimony will be provided by invitation only.

MASSCAP Briefing: Finding the Way Forward in MA
2020-02-05 10:30 - 12:30 | Room 428, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
Please join Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP) for an opportunity to discuss the findings of their updated report on poverty and opportunity in Massachusetts and how we will overcome these obstacles collectively. Joining the briefing will be report author, Nancy Wagman, Kids Count Director at MassBudget.
MASSCAP wants to hear from folks so that Community Action Agencies can learn more about the specific needs of communities. We will discuss current public policies that assist some of our most vulnerable families and residents, and how we can work together to make sustainable changes and provide increased opportunities to all. These policies include:

Fuel Assistance
Early Education and Care including Head Start
Free Tax Preparation (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance or VITA) and Financial Education
Preventing Youth Homelessness
Community Collaborations

Click here to register or RSVP to Joe Diamond, Executive Director: joediamond@masscap.org or (617) 357-6086

Joint Committee on Higher Education Hearing
2020-02-04 11:00 - 13:00 | Room A-2, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Higher Education 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 Anne Gobi and Representative Jeffrey Roy. To submit written testimony, email the Committee Co-Chairs (Anne.Gobi@masenate.gov, Jeffrey.Roy@mahouse.gov) and feel free to copy Senator Comerford (Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov).

Hunger on College Campuses Briefing
2020-01-30 10:30 - 12:00 | Room 428, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
Join us for a briefing on Hunger on College Campuses. Hear students share their experiences with food insecurity and experts identify the scale of the problem in Massachusetts.
Please contact Dan McCarthy (dmccarthy@gbfg.org) or Gina Plata-Nino (gplatanino@cwjustice.org) with questions.

The People's Office in Amherst
2020-01-29 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 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 Revenue Hearing
2020-01-28 13:00 - 17:00 | 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 Cannabis Policy Hearing
2020-01-28 13:00 - 16:00 | Room 437, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy will hold a hearing on the bills listed below.
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
Bill Title
Sponsor

H.4274
An Act further defining eligibility for medical use marijuana
Michael J. Soter

S.2461
An Act banning marijuana billboards
Diana DiZoglio

Five College Learning in Retirement Legislators Forum
2020-01-27 13:30 - 15:00 | Jones Library, 43 Amity Street, Amherst, MA, 01002
Voters will have an opportunity to hear from their state legislators and let them know of voters’ concerns at a Legislators Forum on Monday, January, 27, from 1:30 to 3 PM at the Jones Library in Amherst. Doors open at 1:00 PM.
Five College Learning in Retirement is sponsoring the event, which is free and open to the public.
The panelists will be Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, Rep. Natalie Blais, D-Sunderland, Rep. Daniel Carey, D-Easthampton, Rep. Mindy Domb, D-Amherst, and Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, D-Northampton.
Further information is available at 5CLIR.org or by calling the 5CLIR office at 413-585-3756.

Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development Hearing
2020-01-27 13:00 - 16:00 | Room B-1, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development will hold a bill hearing, including the below bill filed 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 Labor and Workforce Development Chair Senator Patricia Jehlen and Vice Chair Representative Stephan Hay. To submit written testimony, email the Committee Chair and Vice Chair (Patricia.Jehlen@masenate.gov, Stephan.Hay@mahouse.gov) and feel free to copy Senator Comerford (Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov).

BILL
BILL TITLE
SPONSOR

S.2336
An Act relative to state employment postings
Jo Comerford

Joint Committee on Education Hearing
2020-01-27 11:00 - 12:00 | Room A-1, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Education will hold a bill hearing, including the bill filed 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 Education Co-Chairs Senator Jason Lewis and Representative Alice Peisch. To submit written testimony, email the Committee Co-Chairs (Jason.Lewis@masenate.gov, Alice.Peisch@mahouse.gov) and feel free to copy Senator Comerford (Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov).

Bill
Bill Title
Sponsor

S.2465
An Act quantifying the SPED Gap by comparing actual special education costs to current special education assistance
Jo Comerford

The People's Office Library Tour in Orange
2020-01-25 12:45 - 13:45 | Wheeler Memorial Library, 49 E Main Street, Orange, MA, 01364

The People's Office Library Tour in Warwick
2020-01-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Warwick Free Public Library, 4 Hotel Road, Warwick, MA, 01378

Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Hearing
2020-01-24 11:00 - 17:00 | Gardner Auditorium, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133, United States
The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security will hold a hearing on bills relative to immigration (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

H.3728
An Act to ensure that people seeking sanctuary in houses of worship be viewed as temporary residents for the purposes of state building codes and temporary shelter
Mindy Domb

S.1401
An Act to protect the civil rights and safety of all Massachusetts residents
James Eldridge

Joint Committee on Public Health Hearing
2020-01-22 14:00 - 17:00 | Room A-1, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Public Health will hold a hearing for late filed 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).

Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change Oversight Hearing
2020-01-21 12:30 - 14:00 | Room 222, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change will conduct an oversight hearing on recommendations for a climate bill from the Alliance for Clean Energy Solutions, a coalition of business groups, clean energy companies, environmental organizations, labor, health, transportation, and consumer advocates.
Testimony will be provided by invitation only.

ConnectorCare Card to Culture Launch
2020-01-17 11:00 - 12:00 | Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 845 West Street, Amherst, MA, 01002
Join the Mass Cultural Council, the Massachusetts Health Connector, Senator Jo Comerford, and Representative Mindy Domb at the Hitchcock Center for the Environment in Amherst to celebrate a new partnership and launch the ConnectorCare Card to Culture program.
Through this program, all ConnectorCare card members will enjoy a new benefit: free or dramatically reduced admission prices to more than 100 cultural sites statewide. The partnership is the first of its kind in the country for a state-based health insurance exchange.
The event is open to area cultural and arts organizations, members of the Amherst Local Cultural Council, the Amherst Center Cultural District and interested members of the public. Please register here.

Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Hearing
2020-01-14 13:00 - 17:00 | Room B-2, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy will hold a hearing on bills relative to carbon price, competitive supply, and consumer protection, including the below bills Senator Comerford co-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

H.2810
An Act to promote green infrastructure and reduce carbon emissions
Jennifer E. Benson

S.1924
An Act to combat climate change
Michael J. Barrett

Joint Committee on Housing Hearing
2020-01-14 10:30 - 15:00 | A-1 & A-2, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Housing will hold a hearing on bills relative to landlords and tenants (full list of bills 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 Brenden Crighton and Representative Kevin Honan. To submit written testimony, email the Committee Co-Chairs (Brendan.Crighton@masenate.gov, Kevin.Honan@mahouse.gov) and feel free to copy Senator Comerford (Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov).

Bill
Bill Title
Sponsor

S.773
An Act supporting affordable housing with a local option for a fee to be applied to certain real estate transactions
Joseph A. Boncore

H.1264
An Act to further provide a rental arrearage program
Marjorie C. Decker

Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Hearing
2020-01-13 10:30 - 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 bill hearing, including the below bill 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.1379
An Act to strengthen inmate visitation
Sonia Chang-Díaz

Legislative Listening Sessions
2020-01-10 15:00 - 18:00 | South Hadley Public Library, 2 Canal Street, South Hadley, MA, 01075
Senator Jo Comerford and Representatives Natalie Blais, Dan Carey, and Mindy Domb will continue their Legislative Listening Session” with a visit to the South Hadley Public Library. The Listening Sessions give local residents and organizations a chance to address members of their legislative delegation at one time.
This session will focus on regional requests for the FY 2021 Budget. The intent of this listening session is for the State Senator and State Representatives to allow their constituents the opportunity to advocate for funding support from their Beacon Hill representatives simultaneously.
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. Visit this page to sign up for a slot. Please contact Kelly.OReilly@MAhouse.gov with any related questions.

The sessions are open for the public to watch and listen.

The People's Office in Northampton
2020-01-06 10:00 - 13:00 | Forbes Library, 20 West Street, Northampton, MA, 01060
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
Forbes Library is accessible by bus: 39, 39E, R41, R42, B43, R44, B48, NE

Joint Committee on Transportation Hearing
2020-01-02 10:00 - 16:00 | 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.
