On October 30, $24.6 million in Food Security Infrastructure Grants (FSIG) were announced. These grants support farmers, food production and distribution, and help ensure fresh local food is [...]
On October 31, The Daily Hampshire Gazette published an op-ed that Dr. Stephen G. Sireci, Distinguished Professor and executive director of the Center for Educational Assessment at UMass Amherst, [...]
On Thursday, October 10, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) held a Hybrid Public Information Session on the 401 Water Quality Certificate (WQC) related to the [...]
On Friday, October 11, Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) Secretary Yvonne Hao, Undersecretary Ashley Stolba, and their team spent eight hours touring the Hampshire, Franklin, [...]
On Tuesday, October 8, I had the honor of offering a legislative welcome to the 24th Annual Massachusetts Book Awards, hosted by the Massachusetts Center for the Book. In my […]
On Wednesday, October 2, I joined Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Senate President Karen Spilka, Senate Ways & Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, Executive Office of [...]
I wanted to share timely information about the Hybrid Public Information Session on the relicensing of Firstlight Power’s Turners Falls Dam and Northfield Mountain Pump Storage Project, held by [...]
On September 6, Governor Maura Healey signed a consequential long term care oversight bill, An Act to improve quality and oversight of long-term care (H.5033), into law. This law substantially [...]
On August 29, I joined my colleagues in the Legislature to pass sweeping reforms to the long-term care and assisted living sectors, taking a powerful step towards delivering high quality […]
On August 15, I joined my colleagues in both the Senate and the House to unanimously pass a comprehensive maternal health bill, An Act promoting access to midwifery care and […]
This is the hardest blog I’ve had to write this session. I believe an honest accounting of our work for the 2023-2024 legislative session must include an accounting of bills […]
Sometimes, legislation doesn’t need to become a law in order to be implemented. My team and I work diligently to introduce bills that capture necessary policy changes requested by constituents. [...]
Back in May (which seems at once like three years and three minutes ago), the Senate passed its version of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget. Over four days of […]
On July 19 I joined farmers from across western Mass at a meeting to learn about the impact of the draft Clean Heat Standard regulations, which would require heating energy […]
On July 31 (really 9:57 a.m. on August 1), the Massachusetts Legislature technically finished its 2023-2024 formal legislative session. Highlights of what passed the Legislature and is awaiting [...]
On July 30, the Senate passed legislation expanding support for residents coping with substance use disorder, and to address the opioid crisis which claims thousands of lives each year. S.2898, [...]
The budget signed by Governor Healey puts an end to “home equity theft” — the process that happens when a property is taken by city or town by foreclosure due […]
On July 25, the Senate approved sweeping reforms to the Commonwealth’s long term care and assisted living sectors. The legislation, S.2889, An Act relative to long term care and assisted […]
On July 18, the Senate passed urgent reforms to the Commonwealth’s health care system to boost oversight and transparency in the market and improve patient access to prescribed medication and [...]
Today, July 26, 2024 marks the 34th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Additionally, we celebrate July as Disability Pride Month. My team and I wanted […]
On Monday July 22, the Senate began its last full week in the 2023-2024 legislative session by passing four pieces of legislation. Read on to learn more about what was […]
On Thursday, the Senate will debate a much-needed long-term care reform and oversight bill, S.2889 — An Act relative to long-term care and assisted living. You can read the bill […]
On July 25, the Senate will take up S.2889 – An Act relative to long term care and assisted living. Prior to debate, I shared the following with constituents regarding […]
On July 11, the Senate debated and unanimously passed omnibus economic development legislation. The legislation, S.2856 — An Act Relative to strengthening Massachusetts’ economic leadership, [...]
In February, I wrote to you after the Senate passed its version of a comprehensive gun safety bill, S.2572 — An Act to sensibly address firearm violence through effective reform, […]
On July 10, I wrote to constituents ahead of the Senate’s debate on the economic development bond bill (S.2856). Read on to learn more about the work I engaged in […]
On June 25, the Senate debated and passed omnibus clean energy legislation by a vote of 38 -2. Thank you to everyone who emailed or called with advocacy on this […]
On June 27, I joined my colleagues in the Senate to pass comprehensive housing legislation, S.2834 — the Affordable Homes Act, authorizing $5.4 billion in borrowing and making policy changes […]
On June 27, the Senate will debate its version of the Affordable Homes Act, the housing bond bill originally introduced by Governor Healey last fall and debated by the House […]
The following is important news about the FAFSA application and financial aid in Massachusetts which I shared with superintendents. Please feel free to use these advocacy materials in your own [...]
On June 20, I joined my colleagues in passing S.2830 — An Act to reduce plastics. Each year I participate in river cleanups in our district. As much as I […]
On June 21, I wrote to constituents with key updates about FirstLight Energy’s hydro relicensing process. Read on for the updates. ***** Energy Use A number of you have raised […]
On June 19, ahead of the Senate’s debate on a clean energy omnibus bill, I wrote to constituents about the work my team and I are engaged in on this […]
It’s hot outside! Below please find a list of cooling centers across our communities that are open to the public throughout the summer months. * Please visit their website or […]
On Thursday, June 13, my colleagues in the Senate and I voted unanimously in support of H.4671, An Act Honoring, Empowering and Recognizing Our Servicemembers and Veterans (HERO Act). This […]
On Monday, June 10, District Director Elena Cohen and I were thrilled to welcome our State House-based staff to the district for a day filled with beautiful visits and important […]
On Thursday, May 23, just before the clock struck midnight and after a delay caused by a fire alarm, my colleagues and I unanimously approved the Senate’s fiscal year 2025 […]
On Monday, May 20, the Massachusetts Senate opened its debate on the fiscal year (FY) 2025 budget proposal. As part of the opening day of debate, I offered remarks on […]
Monday, May 20 kicks off “budget week” in the Senate, the week where my colleagues and I will debate the proposed state budget for this coming fiscal year (FY 2025), […]
Two bills suggested by constituents that I had the honor of filing are making positive progress this session. I am grateful to constituents for bringing important issues to our attention […]
On May 2, I joined Representatives Natalie Blais, Daniel Carey, Mindy Domb, Lindsay Sabadosa, and Aaron Saunders to submit a joint public comment to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [...]
On May 3, I attended Community Action Pioneer Valley’s Annual Meeting and 60th Anniversary Celebration to celebrate CAPV’s transformative work. I was honored to receive the Sargent Shriver [...]
On Earth Day, I wanted to share a few updates with you regarding FirstLight Power’s hydro relicensing process. Read on to learn more. ***** As many of you are aware, […]
Written by Jared Freedman, Chief of Staff When Jo talks to groups of constituents or advocates, she always says “people power is what makes government work,” and “people most affected […]
On Tuesday, April 9, I was honored and humbled to receive the 2024 Distinguished Legislator of the Year award from the Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM) during Autism Advocacy […]
The Joint Committee Ways and Means began a series of hearings on February 7 that would take members across Massachusetts to unpack the Governor’s proposal and to inform the legislature’s […]
On March 21, the Massachusetts Senate unanimously voted to pass An Act to prevent abuse and exploitation. This bipartisan legislation would criminalize the sharing of sexually explicit images or [...]
During the second week of March, the Massachusetts Senate passed the Early ED Act. This bill proposes making childcare more affordable and better wages for those who care for our […]
I was honored to be invited to speak to a room of Children’s League advocates focused on the needs of transition-age youth. I spoke to the youth to let them […]
On February 7, the Massachusetts Legislature passed a major deadline in the 2023 – 2024 legislative session, known as “Joint Rule 10 Day.” This is the day by which all […]
Mailing Address
Senator Jo Comerford
Massachusetts State House
24 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02133
Boston office
(617) 722-1532
Massachusetts State House
24 Beacon Street
Room 410
Boston, MA 02133
Amherst office
(413) 367-4656
UMass Amherst
