December 31, 2020
Top 10 Newsmakers for 2020: Part 1
December 30, 2020
Deadline looms for bill to address Hampshire Council of Governments’ $6M pension liability
December 23, 2020
December 19, 2020
Senator Jo Comerford Helps Distribute Over 100 Thanksgiving Meals
Legislature rejects Baker’s changes to expansion of abortion access
December 18, 2020
For Opponents of Native American Nicknames, 2020 Brought Hope
Beacon Hill Roll Call: Dec. 7 to Dec. 11, 2020
December 15, 2020
Hampshire County gets COVID-19 testing site at UMass
December 11, 2020
MassHire Workforce Board reports on progress during pandemic
December 8, 2020
Comerford, constituents talk legislative achievements, priorities in online town hall
December 7, 2020
Comerford to hold virtual town hall Tuesday night
UMass Amherst to expand free COVID-19 testing starting Dec. 14
Beacon Hill Roll Call, Nov. 30-Dec. 4
Press release: Senator Jo Comerford and state senate team hold virtual town hall
December 6, 2020
December 4, 2020
Beacon Hill Roll Call: Nov. 23 to Nov. 27, 2020
December 2, 2020
State OKs Mount Saint Vincent license transfer; move of Farren residents to begin next month
December 1, 2020
November 30, 2020
Beacon Hill Roll Call, Nov. 27, 2020
November 27, 2020
Beacon Hill Roll Call: Nov. 16 to Nov. 20, 2020
November 26, 2020
Velis opposes abortion measure because it’s in state budget bill
November 25, 2020
November 24, 2020
Monte’s March leads the way in annual fundraiser for Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
November 23, 2020
Sen. Comerford joins Bernardston Senior Center staff, volunteers for meal distribution
November 17, 2020
Hinds: Tax debate an ‘important strategy’ for next session
November 16, 2020
Grant to fund accessibility improvements at Riverside Park in Sunderland
Amendments Show Senators Would Like To Load Up Budget
November 12, 2020
FirstLight likely to update environmental policies in new license
Whately plant recognized as Manufacturer of the Year
November 11, 2020
CISA awarded $76.5K grant to support about 280 local farms
November 9, 2020
Local leaders celebrate Kamala Harris as first woman elected as U.S. Vice President
November 8, 2020
Lamenting education formula, Western Mass. lawmakers seek equitable funding
November 6, 2020
Beacon Hill Roll Call: Oct. 26 to Oct. 30, 2020
Farren Care Center closure plan approved by state; town optimistic
November 4, 2020
‘The people have the last word’: Valley voters demand complete count
November 2, 2020
October 30, 2020
October 29, 2020
Beacon Hill Roll Call: Oct. 19 to Oct. 23, 2020
October 28, 2020
State to study three potential plans for east-west passenger rail
October 27, 2020
October 26, 2020
October 23, 2020
‘Sitting it out.’ Local public colleges hit by enrollment declines
October 22, 2020
October 19, 2020
Legislators, leaders focus on Connecticut River’s significance during day-long paddle
October 18, 2020
Lawmakers encourage people to vote; thank town clerks, postal workers
In defense of Roe rights: State’s ROE bill would affirmatively protect right to choose
October 15, 2020
Officials to spend day paddling for the Connecticut River
Press release: Suffrage Succotash: October 17 at Mike’s Maze
October 13, 2020
Pan Am damage in Deerfield not a factor in potential sale
Day-long paddle seeks to raise awareness of Connecticut River
Greenfield RMV appears open by appointment only
October 9, 2020
Beacon Hill Roll Call: Sept. 28 to Oct. 2, 2020
Amherst resolution criticizing Boston-based business groups’ education aid ideas gets push-back
Press release: A Tribute(ary) to the Connecticut River
October 7, 2020
Local legislators demand more unemployment pay for poorest residents
Local public health improvement bill introduced to State House and Senate
October 6, 2020
State lawmakers hear testimony on higher ed budget woes
October 4, 2020
Beacon Hill Roll Call: Sept. 25-Oct. 2
October 2, 2020
September 30, 2020
Western Mass. lawmakers lobby governor for SJC pick from region
September 29, 2020
Press release: Critical habitat, trails, and a cherished farm conserved on the Mount Holyoke Range
September 24, 2020
Local legislators contact MassDOT over potential Pan Am Railways sale
September 22, 2020
September 21, 2020
Greenfield RMV to reopen Oct. 13
September 19, 2020
‘Our restaurants are in trouble’: McGovern, other leaders urge support for local eateries
September 18, 2020
Panelists push for Medicare for All
September 17, 2020
Farren closure in Montague bad for patients, bad for town, stakeholders say
September 16, 2020
Lawmakers want seniors-only option at western Mass. RMVs
September 11, 2020
Comerford part of Tuesday panel on single-payer health care
Press release: Medicare for All: Public Health Implications During COVID-19 and Steps Forward
September 4, 2020
August 31, 2020
Somerville rep concerned about ‘draconian’ MassHealth asset recovery policies
August 28, 2020
Mayor requests state reopen RMV in Greenfield
August 26, 2020
Lawmakers call for Hampshire County COVID-19 testing site
Lawmakers Want Free Testing In Hampshire County
August 24, 2020
DPH: South Hadley at a high risk level for spreading COVID-19
August 21, 2020
Beacon Hill Roll Call: Aug. 10 to Aug. 14, 2020
August 17, 2020
August 14, 2020
Beacon Hill Roll Call: Aug. 3 to Aug. 7, 2020
August 12, 2020
Bill to halt MCAS for four years, seek permanent alternative earns wide support on Beacon Hill
August 10, 2020
Bill would pause MCAS testing for four years
Senate lawmakers set to debate on future of MCAS
Massachusetts lawmakers weigh legislation to suspend MCAS for four years amid coronavirus pandemic
Comerford seeks money for nursing research lab
August 9, 2020
Lawmakers hear bill that would suspend MCAS testing for four years
August 4, 2020
Massachusetts Enacts New Measures for Mosquito Management with Pros and Cons
August 2, 2020
July 31, 2020
State would license midwives under advancing legislation
Beacon Hill Roll Call: July 20 to July 24, 2020
July 30, 2020
Massachusetts Senate clears bill to license midwives who provide out-of-hospital care
New 17-person committee formed by UMass, town of Amherst to iron out COVID-19 issues
Press release: Western Massachusetts funding included in economic development bill
July 29, 2020
Senate moves to overhaul state flag, seal
House extends formal sessions past July 31
July 28, 2020
Press release: Senate approves commission to revise or redesign Massachusetts seal and motto
July 27, 2020
July 24, 2020
Senate Passes Legislation to Enhance Stroke Care System
Beacon Hill Roll Call: July 13 to July 17, 2020
Press release: Legislation signed making Juneteenth a state holiday
July 22, 2020
Senate bond bill includes earmarks for Western Mass. transportation projects
Proposed state legislation mirrors calls for local change
July 20, 2020
State lawmakers call for action on wind farm
Athol High ‘Red Raiders’ mascot once again a target
July 17, 2020
Legislative bill would ban Native American mascots in Massachusetts public high schools
July 16, 2020
Bill would ban use of Native American mascots
Mass. Lawmakers: Replacing State Flag, Seal On State Senate Agenda
Western Massachusetts should be included in free COVID-19 testing (Editorial)
Group Calls For Change In Massachusetts State Flag, Ban On Native American Mascots At Public Schools
Press release: Senate passes major transportation infrastructure bond legislation
July 13, 2020
MA Senate passes to-go cocktail bill
July 11, 2020
Police reform bill delayed again during Saturday state Senate session
Western Massachusetts legislators want equitable COVID-19 testing
July 10, 2020
Beacon Hill Roll Call: June 29 to July 3, 2020
July 8, 2020
Senators push police reform bill
July 7, 2020
Rep. Barber files bill to protect families receiving long-term care services
July 6, 2020
Press release: Senate Introduces Reform, Shift + Build Act
July 5, 2020
Senators secure $10M boost for rural cell service
July 3, 2020
State Senate bill provides $10M for rural cellphone service improvements
Press release: Hinds/Comerford expand cell service in western Mass
July 2, 2020
Native American Tribe Calls Campaign To Stop Roundabout ‘Misleading’
Beacon Hill Roll Call: June 22 to June 26, 2020
July 1, 2020
Senators, public health officials discuss disparities, inequities
June 26, 2020
Beacon Hill Roll Call: June 15 to June 19, 2020
Comerford, Hinds to host virtual session on health equity
June 25, 2020
Efforts gain steam to end schools’ Native American mascots and nicknames
Bill Would Pause MCAS Exam For 4 Years
June 24, 2020
MTA backs Comerford bill calling for MCAS moratorium
June 22, 2020
Free COVID-19 testing for farmers at Big E Thursday
June 19, 2020
Juneteenth would be state holiday celebrated on June 19 under bill filed by Massachusetts lawmakers
June 18, 2020
State lawmakers looking at ways to improve air quality in urban areas
June 17, 2020
Colrain Central School bids fish farewell
June 16, 2020
Comerford holding panel on public health, environmental justice
Massachusetts Senate passes bill to expand voting options for 2020 elections in light of coronavirus
June 11, 2020
Senate Passes Bill to Protect Residents from Mosquito-Borne EEE Virus
Local agencies care for vulnerable during pandemic
June 9, 2020
Legislators Call on State to Issue COVID-19 Guidance During Protests
Donations pour in for dad, sons in bus incident
June 5, 2020
Mass. Lawmakers Call For Pandemic Ban On Tear Gas
June 4, 2020
Joint Committee on Public Health advances slew of health-minded bills
June 3, 2020
Beacon Hill Roll Call: May 25 to May 29, 2020
June 1, 2020
Erving Town Meeting voters to consider Board of Selectmen name change
Press release: Public Health Committee approves measures including vaccine, end of life bills
May 28, 2020
Editorial: Time to act on ‘death with dignity’ bill
May 27, 2020
State makes appropriate move on food insecurity (Editorial)
May 24, 2020
Sunderland honors fallen veterans in virtual ceremony
May 22, 2020
Beacon Hill Roll Call: May 11 to May 15, 2020
May 19, 2020
Editorial: Putting teeth into nursing home reporting
May 14, 2020
Senator, advocates speak to how COVID-19 is ‘shining a light on hunger’
Legislators seek more reporting from elder care facilities
May 13, 2020
May 10, 2020
Spilka: Extent of Reopening Hinges on Child Care Availability
May 6, 2020
Press release: Food security livestream panel press release
May 5, 2020
Greenfield mayor, legislators discuss road to pandemic recovery
April 30, 2020
Legislators explore why the county appears to be a COVID-19 hotspot
April 29, 2020
Legislators’ work pays off in new state regs for nursing homes
April 28, 2020
Virtual town hall meeting held to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on students
April 23, 2020
MASSPIRG co-hosts 50th Earth Day anniversary celebration for 100% renewable energy
Speakers push for legislation during virtual Earth Day celebration
April 22, 2020
Beacon Hill Roll Call: April 13 to April 17, 2020
Earth Day Celebrations Migrate Online
April 14, 2020
Area lawmakers are keeping open lines of communication
April 11, 2020
Idled workers chase elusive benefits as they await return
April 9, 2020
Baker allows foreign-trained doctors to practice here
April 8, 2020
April 7, 2020
Comerford wants better state, local reporting of COVID-19 numbers
Mass. Urged To Unlock Pool Of Foreign Health Care Workers To Fight Pandemic
Coronavirus: Massachusetts school nurses are a ‘ready and willing workforce,’ Sen. Eric Lesser says
April 6, 2020
Coronavirus Updates For Western New England: Testing At The Big E, And Concern In Franklin County
Foreign-trained medical professionals waiting to help
April 3, 2020
March 31, 2020
Area legislators happy with stimulus package
March 30, 2020
11 die at Holyoke Soldiers’ Home amid COVID-19 outbreak
March 26, 2020
Virus “gut punch” leaves Senators in triage mode
Senator Comerford leading Massachusetts coronavirus response team
Press release: Update on Senate Working Group’s Efforts to Address COVID-19 Crisis
March 25, 2020
Beacon Hill Roll Call: March 16 to March 20
March 23, 2020
Baker issues stay-at-home advisory, orders nonessential businesses to close Tuesday
March 22, 2020
Four more patients at Buckley HealthCare Center diagnosed with COVID-19
March 21, 2020
Comerford hosts phone conferences for constituents
March 19, 2020
Comerford pushes for connectivity during COVID-19 health crisis
March 18, 2020
Due to coronavirus unknowns, strong local leadership critical (Editorial)
Legislative work on ice: State lawmakers respond to the pandemic
March 16, 2020
Legislature sets up coronavirus working groups
Press release: Comerford Senate Team Announces Community Conference Calls on COVID-19
March 11, 2020
Coronavirus could cause Mass. lawmakers to rethink the state budget
Coronavirus aid package moving toward vote on Beacon Hill
March 10, 2020
Lawmakers hail governor’s emergency declaration
March 9, 2020
Moore sends letter to AG on PFAS’ public health risks
March 8, 2020
Monday shorts: Syrup ceremony, HIP funding and classroom innovation
March 6, 2020
Area officials, health professionals working to prevent COVID-19
Kicking off Maple Month with a ceremonial tree tap
March 5, 2020
Funding for Healthy Incentives Program restored
62 Mass. Lawmakers Urge Governor To Ensure No-Cost Coronavirus Testing
Legislators press Baker to waive co-pays on coronavirus testing
March 4, 2020
Mass. Lawmakers To Question Health Leaders About Coronavirus Response
Baker administration says coronavirus test kits are coming to Mass., but many questions remain
Coronavirus: Baker urges cancellation of international school trips
Beacon Hill Roll Call: Feb. 24 to Feb. 28, 2020
March 2, 2020
State House backs $2M more for HIP program
College students push for additional higher education funding
Legislators support lowering voting age in local, state elections
March 1, 2020
February 26, 2020
Beacon Hill Roll Call: Feb. 17 to Feb. 21, 2020
February 23, 2020
Lawmakers consider drop in voting age for local elections
February 20, 2020
Beacon Hill Roll Call: Feb. 10 to Feb. 14, 2020
February 17, 2020
State pushes Bay Road bridge project to 2024
February 16, 2020
Tae Kwon Do-nation for Warm the Children
February 14, 2020
Mass. farmers discuss the benefits of healthy soil
Coalition receives $50K it needs to finish year
February 12, 2020
School panel takes aim at gun violence
February 11, 2020
Municipalities express concerns with General Pierce Bridge project
February 9, 2020
Comerford and committee advance 75 health bills
February 7, 2020
Legislators ‘deeply disappointed’ in HIP suspension; pen letter to governor
Warming center eases homeless shelter congestion in first winter
February 6, 2020
Cherish Act Could Give $500 Million in Funding for Higher Education
February 5, 2020
Northampton chamber celebrates 100, seeds new vision: Viewpoint
Beacon Hill Roll Call: Jan. 27 to Jan. 31, 2020
February 4, 2020
Comerford’s bill, amendments included in climate package
Activists turn attention to higher ed funding
Vince Jackson Sees A Deeper Role For The Greater Northampton Chamber
February 3, 2020
Social justice on the menu: Congregation B’nai Israel hosts legislative luncheon
February 2, 2020
January 31, 2020
In Senate climate bills, lawmakers see new jobs, economic opportunity for Western Massachusetts
January 30, 2020
Massachusetts Senate to consider climate change amendments on electric car rebates, solar projects
Hunger adds to challenges facing many college students
January 29, 2020
Job postings bill returns to Legislature for third decade
January 28, 2020
Beacon Hill Roll Call: Jan. 20 to Jan. 24, 2020
January 20, 2020
GCC celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy
January 18, 2020
Program opens cultural doors to low-income families
January 16, 2020
Massachusetts Senate passes Breakfast After the Bell legislation
January 15, 2020
Beacon Hill Roll Call: Jan. 6 to Jan. 10, 2020
January 10, 2020
Teens discuss mental health, safety in schools with state, local officials
January 9, 2020
Rural voters voice opposition to Gov. Baker’s environmental plan
January 8, 2020
With majorities in both Houses, ROE Act could expand abortion rights in Mass
January 1, 2020
