Senator Comerford and her team work to share timely updates throughout the year via newsletters. Read on to see summaries of all the newsletters Senator Comerford has shared with constituents, including links to the full letter.
2025

Muscle
January 30, 2025
My team and I kicked off the 194th legislative session on New Year’s Day, beginning my fourth term as the state senator for the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district. In this newsletter, we wrap up the 2023-2024 legislative session, share more about the 65 bills my team and I filed for the 2025-2026 session, discuss Governor Healey’s proposed FY26 budget, offer thoughts on navigating the Trump-Vance Administration, take a look at the work I’m doing with the Senate and Joint Rules, and much more.

2024

Precipice
December 7, 2024
As we conclude the 2023-2024 session, I’m reflecting on the 20 bills we enacted, the $46 million in funding obtained for our district, and more than 800 constituent cases we closed. I’m particularly proud of our accomplishments in advancing public health through SAPHE 2.0, supporting agricultural preservation, and pushing for Northern Tier Passenger Rail service. As we prepare for changes in Washington, D.C., I’m focused on implementing our wins, protecting vulnerable populations, and driving innovative solutions at the state level.

Bogs and fields
October 29, 2024
This month, I’ve been deeply involved in several key initiatives, including passing clean energy legislation, advocating for the restoration of the Healthy Incentives Program, and celebrating the launch of MassEducate to support our community college system. I’ve continued to focus on economic development, honoring MassWorks projects in Hatfield and recognizing the importance of agriculture. As the Commonwealth celebrates Columbus Day, Indigenous rights have been at the forefront of my agenda, advocating for a new flag, seal, and motto and establishing an Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Vigilance
September 27, 2024
My colleagues and I have continued working through our to-do list, passing long-term care and maternal health legislation. We continue pushing hard for economic development, climate and energy legislation, and a substance use/mental health bill. We also ratified collective bargaining agreements, passed funding for services supporting survivors of crime and abuse, and established a permanent disaster relief fund based on legislation I introduced last fall. I remain deeply engaged with FirstLight’s relicensing process and the development of the Northern Tier Passenger Rail. We traversed the region, celebrating with the Peace Pagoda in Leverett, stopping by Grow Food Northampton’s Tuesday Market, learning from maternal health experts, attending the Franklin County Fair, touring the Schell Bridge, and honoring signmaker and leader Jess Marsh.

Playing offense
August 7, 2024
In July, the 2025 budget passed with major wins and needed local investments for western Mass. Some bills made it across the finish line at the end of formal session — including housing, parentage, veterans, firearm safety, information technology, and wage transparency. We’ll continue to work on others like long-term care, maternal health, substance use disorder treatment, health care, economic development, and clean energy. I learned from farmers about the impact of the Clean Heat Standard regulations and celebrated big wins for Shutesbury and Leyden. During informal session, we’re going on offense: working to secure funding for rural K-12 schools and the Northern Tier Rail.

Urgency
July 3, 2024
As this session nears its end, discussions are taking place about bills related to clean energy, affordable housing, information technology, and plastic usage. At the State House, we had the pleasure of hosting constituents from Hampshire and Franklin County, including the Northampton High School Girls’ and Gender-Inclusive Ultimate Frisbee Team, and held two town halls in the district. We celebrated improved train access, advocated for highway projects, and presented our case for the Northern Tier Rail to MassDOT. My team also participated in various events across the Commonwealth, such as a tour of Diemand Farm in Wendell, the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness’ 8th Annual Regional Gathering, an accessible hike supporting my Trails for All legislation, the Asparagus Festival, and a tour focusing on agriculture and food systems. 

Fair share for western Mass
May 31, 2024
This month, I’m continuing to advance regional equity and economic development by engaging with FirstLight Power’s relicensing, exploring potable water access for Quabbin watershed communities, and advocating for universally free community college. I attended events across the Commonwealth, including the Massachusetts Municipal Association conference, celebrated Pride, broke ground on the Deerfield library, attended Greenfield Community College’s graduation, and received school committee members, healthcare workers, and advocates at the State House. I’m also pushing for a green future, prioritizing solar sites over the built environment and learning about the clean energy work being done at UMass Amherst.

Full steam ahead
April 11, 2024
This is the bring-it-on-home moment for the 2023-2024 session. In March, the Senate passed a supplemental budget with additional funding for the emergency shelter system, resettlement agencies, workforce training, and English language education. The Legislature continues to debate bills like the Governor’s Affordable Homes Act, the Mass Leads Act, an Omnibus Climate Bill including legislation I filed with Representative Natalie Blais to promote solar canopies over large parking lots, and a rural-focused amendment to the Early Ed Act.

Mad as a hornet
March 16, 2024
It will take all of us acting together to realize the future we want for our region. I’m proud that several of my initiatives have made progress, including the passage of my “Blue Envelope Bill” in the Senate and the creation of a permanent Disaster Relief Resiliency Fund based on legislation I filed through the FY25 budget. I continue to fight for our region’s interests on all fronts, from addressing gun violence and expanding early education access to supporting new workforce initiatives and attending numerous community events across the Hampshire, Franklin, and Worcester district, where I’m celebrating five years of service to 175,000 people across 25 communities.

Top 10 things we like most – A five-year report card on our service and impact
February 27, 2024 
In this newsletter, my team and I attempt to distill five years of work into a list of the top 10 things we like most in our service to you. 

2023

Always moving forward
December 2023
Read on as my team and I reflect on our work during 2023. We discuss a supplemental budget, new disaster relief work, a few wins to round out the year, and share our focus on housing and higher education. 

No other way to say it
November 2, 2023
My team and I continue to push forward on our legislative priorities, with major developments including a $4.1 billion housing bond bill, progress on our Indigenous Peoples Day legislation, and securing increased funding for rural schools. We continue to push forward bills addressing Quabbin watershed equity, end of life options, agricultural policy, gun violence prevention, and more. Significant wins for our district include the installation of life-saving safety barriers on the French King Bridge and announcing free community college for nursing students in the Commonwealth.

Buckle up! 
September 29, 2023
My office has been actively involved in several critical issues, including managing the potential federal government shutdown, providing state tax relief, and distributing $20 million in emergency aid for farmers affected by floods. As the Senate Chair of the 21st Century Agriculture Commission, I have particularly concentrated on agricultural sustainability while also working on initiatives like the Western Massachusetts Solar Forum, promoting affordable higher education through MassReconnect, and participating in various community events that support organizations such as Transhealth and All Out Adventures. I have collaborated with municipal partners on significant projects like the FirstLight relicensing and Route 9 construction and continuously advocated for our district’s needs, covering areas from public safety building funding to elder care.

When government works
August 1, 2023
In July, we focused on addressing the severe floods that impacted farms and infrastructure in our region, securing $20 million in emergency relief for the farmers affected. Meanwhile, we achieved several legislative wins, including passing the FY2024 budget, unanimous Senate approval of our Gender X bill, and progress on bills supporting disability rights, climate action, and education funding. Throughout the month, I continued to work closely with constituents while focusing on strengthening our district’s agricultural sector and infrastructure resilience.

They paved paradise and…
June 28, 2023
Happy pride! This month, I’ve been working on issues such as securing increased funding for library construction projects in Amherst and Deerfield and helping pass a $590 million tax relief bill focused on low and middle-income residents. I’m also co-chairing the statewide 21st Century Agriculture Commission and have actively advocated for LGBTQIA+ rights, supporting emergency shelter services in Greenfield, and pushing forward various bills related to solar energy, voting rights, and prison reform.

Pollen and high-stakes policy
May 31, 2023
As spring explodes onto the scene, so does the work of our team. As Assistant Vice Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, I helped shape the Senate’s version of the FY24 $55.9 billion budget, including a nearly $2 billion investment in public higher education, and secured just over $1 million for our district. I provided testimony on various bills, including those related to the Quabbin Reservoir, hemp cultivation, trans-inclusive healthcare, local farming, mosquito control, veterans’ benefits, and pancreatic cancer.

​​Getting traction and gaining speed
April 7, 2023
This month was all about regional equity. The Senate allocated $25 million for repairing roads and bridges in smaller municipalities. We supported UMass workers and gathered input from constituents during advocacy days on Beacon Hill. We also welcomed Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll to our area as they announced the Director of Rural Affairs position.

Off we go
March 2, 2023
We’re two months into this new session, and my team and I have been firing on all cylinders. We’ve taken up work to extend SNAP benefits, universal school meals, and more, as the Senate takes up Governor Healey’s first (and very important) bills. We honored the life and legacy of Congressman John Olver. I received my committee assignments for the 23-24 session, and we launched bills on everything from farm and food systems and end of life options to a prison moratorium and home equity theft.

The future we want
February 2, 2023 
As we begin a new year and a new session, my team and I hit the ground running. I’m actively engaged in two significant rail projects in the region: the passenger rail along the Northern Tier and the Western Massachusetts Passenger Rail Commission. My team and I have introduced 65 bills this session, with more on the way. To engage with the community, we are hosting four town halls centered on the legislation we’ve filed, each addressing one of these issue areas: education, climate change, healthcare and child welfare, and agriculture. I’ve participated in events like #EndHungerHere, the Massachusetts Center for the Book, and Hands Together for Climate Justice, as well as attending the premiere of Finding the Words: The Story of Voices from Inside.

2022

What makes me hopeful
December 13, 2022
Constituent services are the core of what we do, with our Constituent Services Director leading our efforts to support over 350 cases this year. We’re constantly fighting for funding and resources, having secured over $13.7 million in earmarks and added more than $300 million to statewide line-items for our district. Our legislative team is preparing around 70 bills for the upcoming session, addressing issues from tax policy to healthcare and environmental protection, many inspired by constituent concerns. Additionally, we’ve helped municipal officials access funding through grants workshops and will expand our efforts next session to include nonprofits and federal funding opportunities.

My letter to you
November 5, 2022
I’m proud to share that the House and Senate reached an agreement on a $3.76 billion spending package to help ease financial strain on communities, businesses, and individuals. This includes tax rebates, with a focus on higher-income earners, and ongoing efforts to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit. I also worked hard to secure $8.25 million in economic development funding for our district, including support for housing, infrastructure, and municipal projects. Additionally, I’m committed to advancing climate goals, with UMass Amherst leading efforts toward carbon neutrality, and ensuring the passage of critical bills for public education and environmental resilience.

Why you matter
September 22, 2022
As the legislative session winds down,we are evaluating progress and planning for the next session, with a focus on unfinished bills like the economic development omnibus bill and the State Action for Local Public Health Excellence 2.0 bill. Some recently passed laws, like the Next Generation Climate Roadmap and COVID recovery spending bills, are already showing results, including funds for HVAC improvements in schools and advancements in carbon sequestration. With the Commonwealth set to refund $2.94 billion due to Chapter 62F,I  advocated for progressive tax reform while addressing inflation’s impact on construction projects and ensuring heating assistance for vulnerable residents this winter.

What happened in 23 hours?!
August 4, 2022
While finalizing the state budget and fine lining our greatest legislative concerns. Here are some of the most important issue to you our constituent:Transportation infrastructure and passenger rail for western Massachusetts,Tax relief and omnibus economic development legislation,Landmark mental health legislation,reproductive rights and gender affirming care,Cannabis reform,infrastructure, and Early education

Can’t stop. Won’t stop. Ever.
June 10, 2022
After mourning the overturning of Roe vs Wade myself and the senate is committed to the protection of abortion rights and gender affirming care with the ROE Act.The Joint Committee on COVID-19 released its final report with 16 recommendations to improve pandemic response and prepare for future emergencies, Legislative work is focused on conference committees for bills related to mental health, climate, cannabis, and infrastructure.We also pushed for net-zero building codes, Green and Healthy School standards, and led a letter signed by 97 legislators opposing changes to the MCAS exam requirements.

Everything all at once
May 26, 2022 
In this newsletter, I share some local and statewide legislative wins. It was a very busy month, and we had the opportunity to organize with MoveOn to instate common-sense gun laws. The month was full of budget concerns, maternal health care, climate work, and racial equity initiatives.

Springing (fast) forward with legislation, budgets, and more
April 1, 2022
Our team is hosting a virtual workshop series with regional planning commissions to help western Massachusetts municipalities understand and access state grant funding. The first workshop is on April 12, focusing on Community One Stop for Growth. The Senate has also passed important legislation, including a $1.65 billion supplemental budget and a bill to improve veterans’ homes. Additionally, I was honored to give the keynote address for the National Association of Social Workers’ Massachusetts Legislative Education and Advocacy Day, sharing my journey into social work and the State Senate.

A legislative high-speed chase
February 10, 2022
Here I outlined some of the bills that have been Joint Rule 10 Day. I’m currently preparing the fiscal year 2023 budget and working on bond bills, which authorize state borrowing for projects. I’m also ensuring that federal COVID relief and fiscal year 2022 funds reach their intended destinations. Recently, we passed a $101 million COVID relief bill, including funds for masks, tests, vaccine equity, and the COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Program. Additionally, I’ll be debating the PACT Act to control drug costs and improve transparency. 

2021

Charging into 2022, hearts full
December 9, 2021
In this newsletter, we reinvented the wheel for staying connected with our constituents. As the COVID pandemic increased and the rise of a new strain we have introduced a few more resources including a constituent services guide, a Dear Jo column in the Hampshire Gazette, and most importantly virtual office hours open to all constituents. 

ARPA wins for our region (special edition newsletter) 
November 12, 2021
Read on to learn more about the ARPA funding passed by the Senate that directly impacts our communities. I am deeply proud to say that our district’s advocacy for the priorities of our people made all the difference in this bill. 

Big public health news
November 3, 2021
This is a full newsletter, featuring an update on the ARPA funding, redistricting, more on COVID-19 testing and masking in schools, racial health equity, and more. 

Our greatest super power
October 8, 2021
Read on to learn about the sweeping voting rights bill the Senate passed this month, which includes same-day voter registration, permanent mail-in voting, and much more. I also share a few more legislative updates on bills that I filed, including a prison construction moratorium and requiring a nonbinary gender marker option on all state documents. 

These high stakes times
September 1, 2021
My team and I are focused on the allocation of over $5 billion in ARPA funds, creating a list of priorities that include public health, public higher education, municipal buildings and infrastructure, green and healthy school buildings, and more. I also share an update on my work with the Public Health Committee and the COVID-19 and Emergency Preparedness and Management Committee. Finally, we feature some of the articles and op-eds I have written. 

Clean water, a budget, and legislative updates for you
July 12, 2021
We have a FY22 budget! Read on to learn more about the good this budget will do for our region. I also had the chance to share more about my work as the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health and the Joint Committee on COVID-19 and Emergency Preparedness and Management. 

We have a Senate budget!
June 1, 2021
My team secured $4.2 million in funding, with $1.2 million returning directly to the Hampshire, Franklin, and Worcester districts for key local priorities, such as funding for children’s advocacy centers, homelessness programs, and crisis response efforts. The budget now moves to a joint conference committee for reconciliation with the House version before being sent to the Governor for approval. 

7 things to know about redistricting
May 11, 2021
In this newsletter we explained Massachusetts  redistricting and this year, Massachusetts retains all its Congressional seats. Additionally, the Drawing Democracy Coalition is offering training on how to engage with the redistricting process, aiming to empower underserved communities.

Please share COVID-19 vaccine and variant update
April 16, 2021
I chaired a combined hearing of the Joint Committees on COVID-19 and Emergency Preparedness and Management and Public Health, focusing on the growing presence of COVID variants in Massachusetts, which is one of the top states for variants. The hearing emphasized the need for continued vigilance in masking, distancing, contact tracing, and expanding testing and vaccinations

Today and tomorrow all at once
April 5, 2021
In this newsletter, I outline my priority legislation for this session including bills I will be composing and signing on.  I have been working with colleagues for equitable vaccine distribution in Hampshire County and maintaining a vaccine guide for constituents, with a focus on ensuring everyone who wants the vaccine receives it. 

How we meet this moment Vaccines Legislation Rules Climate
February 22, 2021
In addition to a regional vaccine guide, my team has worked on improving transparency in legislative processes. We’ve filed 67 bills to address pressing issues and I’ve taken on leadership roles in several committees, including those focused on COVID-19, public health, and racial equity, while also chairing a special commission on racial disparities in maternal health. Lastly, I’m committed to advancing climate justice, advocating for net-zero building provisions, and pushing for a final climate bill despite the Governor’s vetoes.

Turning a corner: Vaccines, building back better, urgent updates, hope
January 2021
The newsletter outlines updates on UMass Amherst’s vaccine program as we power through the COVID-19 pandemic. We also summarized what bills were passed in the 191st session.

2020

Making-hope-and-history-rhyme
December 23, 2020
My team and I focused on increasing transparency for our constituents, by including our session votes and sessions report card for the 2019-2020

The values behind 46-billion 
November 19, 2020
This year’s budget contains hundreds of line items allocating almost $46 billion taxpayer dollars to housing, health care, libraries, environmental protection, transportation, and education. 

You’re invited to The Peoples Town Hall
November 9, 2020
I began a new term, introducing the People Town Hall to report on what we’ve done with you over the last two years and what remains to be accomplished. 

High Stalks Moment — pun-intended
October 15, 2020
Along with the  House colleagues, the Massachusetts Public Health Association, and local health officials from across the Commonwealth, is filing new legislation aimed at supporting the local public health system.

Lets Roar into the Fall
September 18, 2020
We have a busy fall agenda, which includes voting on important bills related to climate change, healthcare, and transportation. Additionally, we are advocating for district priorities, such as tackling food insecurity and supporting local organizations.

Our sprint inside a marathon
August 1, 2020
This July I had the privilege of working on legislation on police reform, supplemental budgets, multi-billion dollar infrastructure packages, racial equity as it relates to maternal health, and to our state flag and seal.

We’re not stopping — This is the time for powerful action. 
June 26, 2020 
My team and I detail our work in May and June 2020, focusing on our work centered on racial justice.  

Normal isn’t good enough — Important updates and resources as we build back better than before 
May 13, 2020
In this newsletter, my team and I share updates from the Senate’s COVID-19 Working Group, updates on legislation responding to the pandemic, staffing updates, and resources for unemployment assistance. 

A storm we cannot see — Important updates, resources, and a call to #FlattenTheCurve! 
April 3, 2020
Read on for a roundup of COVID-19 updates, including links to a constituent guide with the most up-to-date information available, news that the Senate passed a bill to significantly expand unemployment benefits, avenues for advocacy, more on a supplemental budget to meet the demands of the pandemic, and a graphic to encourage flattening the curve. 

COVID-19: ‘Stay at home order,’ testing, PPE, community calls, and more —  COVID-19 information update from Senator Jo Comerford
March 23, 2024
This newsletter covers updates on the numbers of COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts, Governor Baker’s ‘stay at home order’, unemployment support, health care and PPE availability updates, and more information on how the Legislature is working to address the pandemic. 

COVID-19: Governor’s orders, prevention, small business loans, report supply shortages, and more — COVID-19 information update from Senator Jo Comerford  
March 17, 2024
Read this newsletter for timely and useful information on the Governor’s initial executive orders, COVID-19 prevention, information on small business loans, a request to report supply chain shortages to the Legislature, and information on upcoming community conference calls.

COVID-19: Social distancing, testing, schools, community call, and more — COVID-19 information update from Senator Jo Comerford 
March 13, 2020
This newsletter is in response to questions and feedback generated by the previous letter. With the COVID-19 pandemic changing rapidly, this outreach includes more on social distancing, reasons behind not closing schools, helping those most vulnerable, and reiterating that the Legislature is looking further into supply chain issues. 

Response to COVID-19 — COVID-19 information from Senator Jo Comerford
March 12, 2020
Read this newsletter for more information as Massachusetts begins to grapple with the COVID-19 outbreak. Included is more information on prevention, who to call for further assistance and information, and news that the Legislature passed a supplemental budget to support the Department of Public Health with additional funding. 

Our inescapable network of mutuality (Timely updates from your State House) — 2020 is off to a bold and hopeful start at your State House. Read on!
January 2020
This month’s newsletter looks forward to the year ahead, shares how my team and I are engaging in complex regional issues around transportation, and celebrates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

2019

Where were you at 3:30 a.m. on Thursday? — The people’s business doesn’t keep traditional business hours 
November 2019
Read this month’s newsletter to learn more about the last day of formal session for 2019. During the session, the Senate passed legislation on education funding, vaping, cell phone use while driving, campaign finance, restricting single use plastics, and more. 

The moments I love best — This is a timely update about what’s happening in your State House! 
October 2019
This month’s newsletter shares more about the landmark $1.5 million education bill (the Student Opportunity Act) and the $770 million supplemental budget bill that the Legislature passed. Read on to learn more about this legislation, two formal Public Health Committee oversight hearings in Greenfield, and the plethora of district events the team attended. 

This is how we win — Timely information on how people power will win the day on Beacon Hill.
September 2019
Read this month’s newsletter to learn more about five bold bills I filed that were voted favorably out of Committee, Public Health Committee Hearings, Hunger Action Month Lobby Day, and several opportunities to advocate for food security and public health. 

This is the true joy in life — Help rock your State House this fall. Read on for updates!
August 2019
This month’s newsletter pays tribute to the inspirational France Crowe, introduces you to our new staff, Ania and Sam, and highlights which community events you can find me at during August!

Your front-row view of what’s in the $43.1 bn budget?! — Don’t miss this important update and a call to action.
July 2019
Read this month’s newsletter to hear about the finalized version of the Massachusetts state budget! We highlight key victories such as increased funding for affordable housing, healthcare, and environmental preservation. 

What’s next for the Massachusetts Budget!? — Don’t miss important updates and a call to action.
June 2019
This month’s newsletter highlights the wins for our district in the FY20 budget passed by the Massachusetts Senate. Our team worked diligently to bring home over $1.5 million in direct funding for our constituents: see more here!

What’s Inside the Senate Budget!? — Here are some of the amendments I’ve filed and co-sponsored on behalf of our district
May 2019
I’ve filed over 30 amendments to the FY20 budget, focusing on improving transportation and economic, educational, & regional equity. Read this letter to gain insight into the important legislation I am fighting for on Beacon Hill. 

Big day today – (Senate budget + Committee kick-off) — The Senate budget comes out today and the Joint Committee on Public Health kicks off its first hearing
May 2019
Read this month’s newsletter to learn more about the FY2020 budget being released by the Senate Ways & Means Committee as we enter our fourth month in office! In addition, this newsletter includes some great pictures of my legislative colleagues and highlights the Senate’s work to ban conversion therapy. 

A new website created for you — I’m thrilled to announce the launch of our new Senate 
website!
March 2019
This month’s newsletter celebrates the launch of the one-stop shop for keeping up with our office: senatorjocomerford.org! Our website embodies this office’s initiative to promote transparent communication between us and our constituents.

This newsletter is packed with updates — Senator Jo Comerford
February 2019
Learn more about our launch of the March Academy program to make government more accessible to constituents, my committee assignments for the upcoming legislative session, and check out some great pics in this month’s newsletter!

With stakes this high — Your Senate team didn’t waste any time getting to work for the people of the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district
February 2019
Read this month’s newsletter to hear about some of the highlights from my first month in office. We also discussed an order to create a government shutdown working group and announce the “Progress for All” Legislative Agenda for the 2019-20 Legislative session.

It’s official (and how to reach the Senate team!) — It’s a tremendous honor to serve the people of the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district as your new state senator.
January 2019
Our very first newsletter! In this newsletter, we share pictures from my swearing-in and introductions to my wonderful staff.

I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Start typing and press Enter to search