Jo Comerford

Building Blocks for Community Development
2019-10-04 16:30 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | Orange Innovation Center, 131 West Main Street, Orange, MA, 01364
Senators Jo Comerford and Anne Gobi and Representative Susannah Whipps will provide updates about the 2019 legislative session as well as the upcoming 2020 legislative session, including addressing concerns about education and economic development in small towns and rural areas like the North Quabbin. The public will have the opportunity to engage with the legislators during and question and answer period as well as in a discussion focused on how North Quabbin residents can help.

Refreshments will be served and the evening will conclude with an open house of the Orange Innovation Center and tour of the LaunchSpace.

For more information, email Brianna@orange-innovation.com.

Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change Oversight Hearing
2019-10-04 13:00 - 16:00 | Room A-2, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change will conduct an oversight hearing on the status of the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program and the solar industry overall.
Testimony will be provided by invitation only. Those invited include representatives from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and various solar advocacy groups, including industry, community shared solar, and low-income advocates.

Joint Committee on Financial Services Hearing
2019-10-01 13:00 - 16:00 | Room A-2, 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 bills filed and 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

S.556
An Act authorizing telemedicine services
Jo Comerford

S.611
An Act to promote value-based insurance design in the Commonwealth
Jason M. Lewis

S.587
An Act to establish health equity for pregnant persons
Cindy Friedman

Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Hearing
2019-10-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Room B-1, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight will hold a hearing on state agencies and commissions bills, including the bills listed below 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 State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Co-Chairs Senator Marc Pacheco and Representative Danielle Gregoire. To submit written testimony, email the Committee Co-Chairs (Marc.Pacheco@masenate.gov, Danielle.Gregoire@mahouse.gov) and feel free to copy Senator Comerford (jo.comerford@masenate.gov).

Bill
Bill Title
Sponsor

H.2784
An Act relative to the Massachusetts Food Policy Council
Paul A. Schmid, III

H.3572
An Act promoting equality and respect in the legislature
Lindsay N. Sabadosa

S.1898
An Act promoting equality and respect in the legislature
Rebecca L. Rausch

Joint Committee on Public Service Hearing
2019-10-01 10:00 - 15:00 | Room B-2, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Public Service will hold a hearing on bills related to disability, presumption, and line of duty (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 Joint Committee on Public Service 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.1531
An Act relative to disability pensions for violent crimes
Cindy F. Friedman

S.1564
An Act relative to the health and welfare of the University of Massachusetts police
Michael O. Moore

Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy Hearing
2019-10-01 10:00 - 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 related to criminal justice, social equity, and municipal 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).

Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery Hearing
2019-10-01 10:00 - 14:00 | Gardner Auditorium, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133, United States
The Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery will hold a hearing on bills related to harm reduction sites (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 Julian Cyr and Representative Marjorie Decker. To submit written testimony, email the Committee Co-Chairs (Julian.Cyr@masenate.gov, Marjorie.Decker@mahouse.gov) and feel free to copy Senator Comerford (Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov).

Bill
Bill Title
Sponsor

S.1145
An Act ensuring access to addiction services
Cindy F. Friedman

Food Is Public Health Oversight Hearing
2019-09-27 13:00 - 16:00 | Cohn Family Dining Common, Room C119, Greenfield Community College, 1 College Drive, Greenfield, MA, 01301
Please join us for an oversight hearing on the impact of food insecurity and inequitable access to nutritious food on public health.
Experts on the food system and its impact on public health will discuss how state, federal, and non-profit programs work together to improve the health of the Commonwealth. Topics will include food as medicine, food deserts and healthy food access, the role of agriculture in public health, and school food programming.
You can RSVP on the Facebook event page, or just show up. Click here for the agenda and logistical details. You can watch a livestream of the hearing here.
Hosted by:
Joint Committee on Public Health
Massachusetts Food System Caucus
Baystate Health
Cooley Dickinson Health Care
CISA
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
Greenfield Community College
Massachusetts Farm Bureau
Massachusetts Food System Collaborative
Northeast Organic Farming Association, Massachusetts Chapter

Joint Committee on Financial Services Hearing
2019-09-26 13:00 - 16:00 | Room A-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

S.595
An Act concerning the use of certain insurance underwriting guidelines pertaining to dogs harbored upon the insured property
Anne Gobi

Joint Committee on Public Service Hearing
2019-09-26 11:00 - 13:00 | Room A-1, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Public Service will hold a hearing on bills related to retirement allowance and COLAs (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 Joint Committee on Public Service 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.3986
An Act authorizing the town of Leyden to continue the employment of Gilda Galvis
Paul Mark

Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery Hearing
2019-09-26 10:00 - 13:00 | Room B-1, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery will hold a hearing on bills related to houses of correction and civil commitment (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 Julian Cyr and Representative Marjorie Decker. To submit written testimony, email the Committee Co-Chairs (Julian.Cyr@masenate.gov, Marjorie.Decker@mahouse.gov) and feel free to copy Senator Comerford (Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov).

K-12 Education Funding Bill Community Briefing
2019-09-25 18:30 - 19:30 | Conference Call
On Thursday, September 19, the Chapter 70/K-12 education funding bill, S.2348, An Act relative to educational opportunity for students, was released from the Joint Committee on Education.
You are invited to join a call for invested community members to discuss what’s in the bill and the impact it will have on the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district. Call-in information is below.
A fact sheet on the bill can be found here and a section-by-section summary can be found here.

Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Hearing
2019-09-25 11:00 - 13:00 | Room B-1, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight will hold a hearing on land, gender neutral ID, and student loan bills, including the bill listed below 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 State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Co-Chairs Senator Marc Pacheco and Representative Danielle Gregoire. To submit written testimony, email the Committee Co-Chairs (Marc.Pacheco@masenate.gov, Danielle.Gregoire@mahouse.gov) and feel free to copy Senator Comerford (jo.comerford@masenate.gov).

Bill
Bill Title
Sponsor

H.2686
An Act establishing gender neutral bathrooms
Mindy Domb, Jo Comerford

H.3664
An Act providing for a gender neutral designation on state documents and identifications
Mindy Domb, Jo Comerford

The People's Office in Amherst
2019-09-25 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 Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Hearing
2019-09-24 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 the agriculture, forestry, and funding related 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 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

H.897
An Act relative to forest protection
Susannah M. Whipps

Joint Committee on the Judiciary Hearing
2019-09-24 13:00 - 17:00 | Room A-1, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on the Judiciary will hold a hearing on bills related to civil action (bills listed here), including the below bills filed and 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 Joint Committee on the Judiciary Co-Chairs Senator James Eldridge and Representative Claire Cronin. To submit written testimony, email the Committee Co-Chairs (James.Eldridge@masenate.gov, Claire.Cronin@mahouse.gov) and feel free to copy Senator Comerford (Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov).

Bill
Bill Title
Sponsor

S.869
An Act encouraging the donation of food to persons in need
Jo Comerford

H.3313
An Act allowing narcotics testing products
Tami Gouveia, Jo Comerford

S.834
An Act relative to female genital mutilation
Joseph Boncore

Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Hearing
2019-09-24 13:00 - 17:00 | Room 437, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy will hold a hearing on bills related to renewables and grid modernization, including Senator Comerford’s sponsored and co-sponsored bills listed below. (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.1932
An Act promoting local energy investment and infrastructure modernization
Jo Comerford

S.2005
An Act to secure a clean energy future
Marc Pacheco

Joint Committee on Public Health Hearing
2019-09-24 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 related to patient safety and quality and workforce development (bills will be listed on the hearing page here), including the below bill Senator Comerford filed.
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 Public Health 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.1219
An Act prohibiting non-consensual pelvic examinations
Jo Comerford

H.1865
An Act prohibiting non-consensual pelvic examinations
Mindy Domb

Joint Committee on Revenue Hearing
2019-09-24 13:00 - 16:00 | Room B-2, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Revenue will hold a hearing on bills related to seniors, veterans, and persons with disabilities (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 Veterans and Federal Affairs Hearing
2019-09-24 11:00 - 17:00 | Gardner Auditorium, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133, United States
The Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs will hold a hearing on bills related to constitutional and federal matters, including Senator Comerford’s bills listed below. (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 Veterans and Federal Affairs Co-Chairs Senator Walter Timilty and Representative Linda Dean Campbell. To submit written testimony, email the Committee Co-Chairs (Walter.Timilty@masenate.gov, Linda.Campbell@mahouse.gov) and feel free to copy Senator Comerford (jo.comerford@masenate.gov).

Bill
Bill Title
Sponsor

S.2155
Resolutions relative to the prohibition of nuclear weapons
Jo Comerford

S.2156
Resolutions in support of a congressional investigation regarding impeachment of President Donald J. Trump
Jo Comerford

S.2157
Resolve creating a citizens commission concerning the commonwealth of Massachusetts being in alignment with the UN treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons
Jo Comerford

Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Hearing
2019-09-24 11:00 - 13:00 | Room A-1, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government will hold a hearing on bills related to local matters, transportation, municipal finance (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 Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Co-Chairs Senator Becca Rausch and Representative James O’Day. To submit written testimony, email the Committee Co-Chairs (Becca.Rausch@masenate.gov, James.O’Day@mahouse.gov) and feel free to copy Senator Comerford (Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov).

Bill
Bill Title
Sponsor

H.4066
An Act relative to the board of selectmen in the town of Sunderland
Natalie Blais, Jo Comerford

Hunger Action Month Lobby Day
2019-09-24 10:45 - 13:00 | Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
Advocates from numerous organizations, including Worcester County Food Bank, Greater Boston Food Bank, Food Bank of Western MA (Food Bank Coalition of Massachusetts), Children’s Health Watch, MA Food System Collaborative, Mass Law Reform Institute, Massachusetts Public Health Association, Project Bread and the Worcester Food Policy Council are hosting a Hunger Action Month Lobby Day and a “Stand Strong for the Right to Food” Rally. These organizations will be conducting legislative visits to lobby for bills related to combatting hunger and reducing food insecurity and will also be hosting a rally to draw attention to these action items and opportunities to combat hunger in the Commonwealth.

Hunger Action Month Lobby Day Agenda
10:45am- 12:00 p.m. Advocates’ Legislative Visits: Advocates will be visiting offices to meet on legislation
12:15pm-1:00 p.m. “Stand Strong for the Right to Food”
Rally on the State House Steps. Representatives from these organizations, constituents and other allies will be rallying for Food System Caucus priority and endorsed legislation as well as other means to combat hunger in the Commonwealth and share personal testimonies on hunger.

Below are the Food System Caucus’ priority bills and the Food System Caucus’ endorsed bills, which the rally participants will be advocating for on the 9/24.

South Hadley Town Hall with Rep. Carey & Sen. Comerford
2019-09-23 17:30 - 19:30 | South Hadley Public Library, 2 Canal Street, South Hadley, MA, 01075
Join Representative Dan Carey and Senator Jo Comerford at the South Hadley Library to hear legislative updates and ask questions about issues important to you. Please email question to Kelly O’Reilly at kelly.o’reilly@mahouse.gov

Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change Oversight Hearing
2019-09-23 13:30 - 16:45 | 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 the status of the Transportation and Climate Initiative and offshore wind procurement progress.
Testimony will be provided by invitation only. Those attending include representatives from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and environmental advocacy groups.

The People's Office in Orange
2019-09-20 11:00 - 14:00 | Orange – Quabbin Mediation, 13 South Main Street, Orange, MA, 01364
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
Quabbin Mediation is accessible by bus: 32, Athol/Orange Shuttles #1 and #2

32nd Annual COSA Breakfast and Awards
2019-09-20 08:00 - 10:00 | Inn at Boltwood, 30 Boltwood Avenue, Amherst, MA, 01002
As summer winds down, you can look forward to joining the 32nd Annual COSA (The Council of Social Agencies of Hampshire County) Breakfast, where Senator Jo Comerford will be the keynote speaker.

Not only will there be a great presentation, but you will enjoy a delicious meal at the Inn at Boltwood in Amherst. You will also have an opportunity to start your morning networking with all of your peers, and celebrate the awardees for their contributions to human services in Hampshire County. Please register here.

Joint Committee on the Judiciary Hearing
2019-09-17 13:00 - 17:00 | Room A-1, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on the Judiciary will hold a hearing on bills related to civil action (bills listed here), including the below bill filed by Senator Comerford.
We invite you to submit written testimony and/or testify in person on bills you care about. To submit written testimony email Committee Co-Chairs Senator James Eldridge and Representative Claire Cronin (James.Eldridge@masenate.gov, Claire.Cronin@mahouse.gov). Testimony on bills in this hearing should be addressed to Joint Committee on the Judiciary Co-Chairs Senator James Eldridge and Representative Claire Cronin.

Bill
Bill Title
Sponsor

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
Jo Comerford

Joint Committee on Elder Affairs Hearing
2019-09-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Room A-2, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Elder Affairs will hold a hearing on bills related to home and community based care, including Senator Comerford’s co-sponsored bill listed below. (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 Elder Affairs Co-Chairs Senator Patricia Jehlen and Representative Ruth Balser. To submit written testimony, email the Committee Co-Chairs (Patricia.Jehlen@masenate.gov, Ruth.Balser@mahouse.gov) and feel free to copy Senator Comerford (jo.comerford@masenate.gov).

Bill
Bill Title
Sponsor

S.358
An Act relative to home care
Patricia Jehlen

Joint Committee on Public Health Hearing
2019-09-10 13:00 - 17:00 | Room B-1, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Public Health will hold a hearing on bills related to women’s and reproductive health and pharmacy (bills listed here), including the below bills Senator Comerford co-sponsored.
We invite you to submit written testimony and/or testify in person on bills you care about. To submit written testimony email Committee Co-Chairs Senator Jo Comerford and Representative John Mahoney (Jo.Comerford@masenate.gov, John.Mahoney@mahouse.gov). Testimony on bills in this hearing should be addressed to Joint Committee on Public Health Co-Chairs Senator Jo Comerford and Representative John Mahoney.

Bill
Bill Title
Sponsor

H.1182
An Act relative to Medicaid coverage for doula services
Liz Miranda

S.1335
An Act advancing the health of pregnant persons
Rebecca L. Rausch

Joint Committee on Revenue Hearing
2019-09-10 13:00 - 16:00 | Room B-2, State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02133
The Joint Committee on Revenue will hold a hearing on property and estate legislation. 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 Revenue 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).
