Meet the moment

Greetings all,

For the last year, it seems like every minute there is breaking, destabilizing, agonizing national and international news.

Inside this storm, my team and I remain grounded in work on your behalf.

This newsletter responds directly to the concerns you’ve shared about federal actions, the impact of those actions on Massachusetts, and the work we’re doing to mitigate the harm.

Our team is also tackling barriers to health care, housing, and the cost of living — three major stressors.

President Donald Trump called the focus on affordability a “con job,” but the real con job happened when he gave tax cuts to millionaires and billionaires while many constituents struggle to pay rent, heat their homes, and manage rising health care premiums.

It’s hard to feel hopeful. That’s why I wrote a letter to you that I titled The Road to Regional Equity. I needed to be reminded — personally — about the momentum we’ve gained over the last seven years. The piece names the barriers we face and lays out a positive path forward for our district. Read it here. We're picking up speed.

Remember friends: Even as we grapple with a broken federal government, we’re also battling hundreds of years of a fossilized west/east divide in Massachusetts. Shay’s rebellion was about the very issues we’re busting open right now.

I know that national news and the demands of life can be exhausting, yet I ask that you carve out a bit of time and an ounce of hope to make sure Boston continues to hear from us. There are opportunities for action as you read on.

When we speak together, our impact is greater than when we speak alone.

Big storm on the way. We have good lines of communication open with the utilities, emergency management, and MassDOT. Please sound the alarm if you see places/people needing help. Email me at jo.comerford@masenate.gov.

Let's take care of each other and let’s get into it.

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TL;DR (that's a "too long; didn't read" digest)

Naming and tackling affordability
Massachusetts navigates and responds to federal funding cuts and policy changes
FY27 budget process kicks off
Governor Maura Healey assesses the state of the state
Navigating changes to health care coverage
Response to regressive tax cuts
Understanding possible cuts to federal funding for sanctuary cities
Reflection on the actions of the federal government
Saying thank you and farewell to Representative Natalie Blais, plus what comes next
Quabbin communities send an open letter to eastern Massachusetts
A conference committee convenes to hash out the final details of legislation overhauling current cannabis policy
Several current and upcoming opportunities to weigh in on regulations and changes, from health care to gas rates
The 21st Century Agriculture Commission releases its final report
Celebrating economic development grant wins across the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district
Joining InFocus with Patrick Berry
Reflecting on December’s Town Hall and sharing a few resources
Answering your calls to action on legislation and pressing issues

Affordability

This past weekend, I received an email that began like this:

Dear Sirs or Madams, Please see attached electric bill. We are a senior couple living in a 3 bedroom ranch house in (Franklin County Town). Our house has individual baseboard electric heaters. ALL heaters are OFF except one in the dining room and one in the bathroom, both kept on LOW. We burn wood religiously to keep the house warm. Even so, we are always in sweatshirts and chilly. We live primarily on social security and cannot afford these outrageous charges.

The message continued, and did not get any less wrenching. (Thanks to Lauren from our team for jumping in to see what assistance is available for the authors of this email.)

This email is not an outlier. I am flooded with calls for help.

In Massachusetts, the double-headed hydra of utility bills and health care premiums is creating an affordability crisis for many, particularly seniors and those living on fixed incomes.

Please know that my team and I are working everyday with cost of living at the forefront of our concerns.

Navigating the consequences of federal policy changes and funding cuts

The fiscal year (FY) 2027 budget process kicks off

On December 16, I joined my colleagues from the Senate and House Ways and Means Committees for the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) consensus revenue hearing.

This annual hearing marks the start of the FY27 budget process, as committee members hear testimony from and ask questions of members of the Healey-Driscoll Administration and economists about the fiscal landscape, forecasted tax revenue collections, and budgeting strategies for the upcoming year.

This preparation is especially important as federal partnerships and programs continue to be in flux, and as we continue to absorb the impact of the federal One Big [Brutal] Bill Act (OB3, more on that, below). The Legislature is engaged in deep discussions on how we can balance investments in our residents with affordability and fiscal responsibility — with a budget that’s expected to grow just over 2% (below the rate of inflation).

Governor Healey assesses the state of the state

On Thursday, January 22, I joined colleagues from across state government to listen to Governor Healey's state of the state address. This is an annual precursor to the budget which she will deliver next Wednesday. The Governor discussed meeting affordability concerns head on in partnership with the Legislature — focusing on initiatives such as forthcoming electric and gas rebates, first-time homebuyer support, a health care affordability task force, an effort to ease administrative costs incurred because of burdensome prior authorization requirements, a continued commitment to investing in infrastructure, and more. I was also listening for, but didn't hear, strong remarks on education spending and help for cities and towns. You can watch the Governor's full address here.

Once she files her FY27 budget, the Legislature will kick off eight Ways and Means Committee hearings. The Administration will testify at the first one and then we'll be on the road for six hearings across the Commonwealth. I have previously hosted three hearings in the region and expect to host again this year in late February or March. (My past hearings were focused on education and local aid. We'll let you know the date and topic for this year soon.)

The eighth and final hearing will be held at the State House, and it's an important opportunity for the public to weigh in. You may recall that students from Northampton and Amherst rocked last year's public hearing. We'll let you know when it's been scheduled for FY27.

Navigating changes to health care coverage

As Congress continues to debate the future of federal subsidies for health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act, many Massachusetts residents are understandably concerned about rising insurance premiums.

On January 8, Governor Healey announced a $250 million state investment in the ConnectorCare program to help shield consumers from these potential increases. As a result, roughly 270,000 ConnectorCare enrollees earning under 400% of the federal poverty level — $62,600 for an individual or $128,600 for a family of four — will see little to no premium increases even as federal subsidies expire.

In addition, the Health Connector and MassHealth are continuing to identify and implement strategies to prevent coverage losses and protect access to affordable care in Massachusetts, despite federal uncertainty and stalled progress at the national level. I strongly supported the Legislature’s work last year to direct more than $230 million to support already-strained community health centers and hospitals, and we know more will be needed.

Response to regressive tax cuts

The One Big [Brutal] Bill (OB3) that was signed into law by the President over the summer included regressive corporate tax cuts, which are estimated to cost the Commonwealth nearly $500 million in revenue in fiscal year 2026 (FY26) alone.

Please know that I have spoken publicly in hearings and with my colleagues about decoupling Massachusetts from these federal corporate tax cuts which would only serve to exacerbate harmful budget cuts.

In mid-January, Governor Healey filed legislation to manage the impact of the federal OB3’s tax provisions on state revenues.

While the Governor’s bill does not fully “decouple” Massachusetts from changes to the federal Internal Revenue Code (which I would much prefer), it makes some meaningful advances. More here.

Understanding possible cuts to federal funding for sanctuary cities

Recently, President Trump announced that federal funding would be withheld from sanctuary cities, though he has not disclosed how much funding will be cut nor which cities will be affected.

Historically, the courts have prevented the federal government from withholding funding as a means of coercing cities and towns to change their policies on immigration.

My team and I have a strong connection with Attorney General Andrea Campbell and are watching this closely. We will share more information as we have it.

If you or someone you know has questions or concerns, please reach out to jo.comerford@masenate.gov or fill out our team’s Constituent Assistance Form and we’ll jump in right away to help.

My response to federal actions, nationally and internationally

Venezuela and Greenland

Many constituents have asked for my position on the current actions of the Trump Administration. I’ll cut right to it:

The U.S. Constitution gives Congress — not the U.S. President — the power to declare war. It’s clear that the U.S. interest in Venezuela is about access to oil, not the restoration of human rights. And, in no way should the U.S. invade Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark and a NATO ally.

These are unprecedented times and I’ve heard from constituents who are afraid of the consequences of international action and related domestic upheaval. I share your concerns, and I promise that I’m continuing to work with state colleagues on a range of protective measures.

Renee Good

Over the weekend of January 10, thousands of people, myself included, gathered across our district in dozens of vigils and demonstrations to mourn the tragic muder of Renee Good.

In the wake of Good’s murder and other ICE-related tragedies, I've heard from constituents with questions about where I'm focused with regard to immigrant protections.

While we cannot stop ICE from entering Massachusetts, we can and must endeavor to pass protections for the Commonwealth's immigrant communities.

Here are two areas where I believe we can make real gains — within a longer list.

Asking about immigration status: Massachusetts could adopt policies to disallow local law enforcement from asking about immigration status in cases where immigration is not a factor in the encounter.
Prohibiting 287G agreements: 287G, named after its section in the federal law, is a federal statute that allows the federal Department of Homeland Security to deputize state, county, and local law enforcement to conduct immigration enforcement. We could pass legislation that would ban 287G agreements, because immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the federal government, not state, county, or local governments.

Representative Natalie Blais resigns; representation continues

Representative Natalie Blais has resigned from the House of Representatives. It has been a seven-year joy and an honor to partner with Natalie in the Legislature, working side by side with her for the residents of Franklin County and our region. She arrived in the Legislature having already served the public with distinction, and she’s on to UMass Amherst where she’ll apply her strategy and savvy on behalf of public higher education.

On January 15, Speaker of the House Ron Mariano announced that there will not be a special election to fill the vacant 1st Franklin district seat. This means that the person who will fill Natalie’s seat will run in the general election cycle — September primary and November election — and be sworn in at the beginning of January 2027.

My team and I worked closely with Natalie and her team during the transition. Natalie’s district staff remain employed until the end of the calendar year, and all of us will work together to serve our shared communities of Leverett, Deerfield, Sunderland, Bernardston, Leyden, Montague, and Greenfield (which is, of course, also represented by Representative Susannah Whipps). Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Quabbin communities come together in an open letter to eastern Massachusetts

On January 6, the Quabbin Watershed Stewards — a growing group of people organizing in the communities that ring the Quabbin Reservoir, including New Salem, Orange, Pelham, Petersham, Shutesbury, and Wendell — released an open letter to the people of eastern Massachusetts.

I have had the privilege of meeting pretty intensively with these good folks who are deeply dedicated and tireless about their stewardship of the region and hell-bent for regional equity and fair recompense for their ongoing service and sacrifice. These are among the same people who are helping to maintain development restrictions, complying with federal and state watershed regulations, adhering to regional water use bans, and leading protests over the use of glyphosate in the watershed.

With growing urgency, these advocates are taking their case directly to the people of eastern Mass who drink the pristine water they protect, yet they themselves cannot drink — hoping to raise awareness and support. And their efforts are getting noticed (see some sample headlines below). As I said before, when we speak together, we can and will be heard.

Do you have friends or family in eastern Massachusetts? Please share the Watershed Stewards’ letter, which is here.

Working on the cannabis conference committee

On December 31, I was appointed to the six-person conference committee, composed of three members from the House and three from the Senate, to negotiate the final details of legislation updating the Commonwealth’s current cannabis policies.

I am glad to join my colleagues Senator Adam Gómez, who is leading negotiations for the Senate, and Senator Peter Durant. We had our first meeting with our House counterparts on January 13.

During our first discussion, which was open to the public, I spoke to the work my team and I have been engaged in around regulating intoxicating hemp products.

I’ll share more updates as negotiations progress.

Take action

Primary Health Care

On January 14, Governor Healey announced sweeping prior authorization reforms that would eliminate pre-approval requirements for many routine and essential health care services.

These proposed changes are designed to reduce administrative burdens, streamline the prior authorization process for primary care, curb rising costs, and ensure patients can access timely care without unnecessary insurance barriers.

Primary care reform is one of my top priorities this session. Thanks to Governor Healey and Senator Cindy Friedman, Senate Chair of the Committee on Health Care Financing, Massachusetts is poised to make meaningful changes this session to increase access to care and to reign in health care costs.

These changes will be enacted through regulations and will require public comment and final approval. I will keep you posted when comments are due.

Berkshire Gas Company

Berkshire Gas Company recently filed a proposal with the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to increase their rates, a change that would take effect next winter. Depending on household income and usage, the increase to gas bills could range from 22.9% to 25.6%. DPU is reviewing this proposal to assess its fairness and is looking for public input.

Many constituents cannot afford their home heating bills right now, and that’s without this proposed rate increase! For years I have filed legislation to reign in utility rates, and I wrote with colleagues in opposition to an Eversource rate request last winter. I have also weighed in on this Berkshire Gas rate request.

You can read my testimony here.

Here are two opportunities to offer comment to the DPU on this proposal:

January 29, 2026, 7:00 p.m. — In-Person Public Hearing

Greenfield Middle School, Auditorium

195 Federal Street

Greenfield, MA 01301

February 4, 2026, 7:00 p.m. — Virtual Public Hearing

Zoom

Attendees can join using the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88691149217

You can view Berkshire Gas’ filing with the DPU, here. You can bet I’m continuing to work on legislation to cap these utility rate requests as the Governor’s energy affordability bill advances closer to a vote.

Legislature's Commission on Agriculture in the 21st Century releases final report

Farms across Massachusetts are facing unprecedented challenges — from rising costs and market volatility to climate change — and they deserve the state’s strong, sustained support.

I am proud to share the final report of the Special Commission on Agriculture in the Commonwealth in the 21st Century, which I co-chaired alongside House Speaker Pro Tempore Kate Hogan.

After nine hearings held across 14 months and input from farmers, educators, and experts, the Commission delivered 63 actionable recommendations for the Legislature and Administration to strengthen agriculture, food security, and our local food system.

I’ve filed legislation to advance many of these recommendations, and I’m working daily to move this bill towards a floor vote.

Celebrating grant awardees across the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district

In December, more than $7.6 million made its way to the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district through a few different grant programs. These awards are timely as we continue to grapple with federal funding cuts to essential programs and services.

Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Legislature for continuing to invest in western and north central Massachusetts cities and towns.

Municipal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Improvement Grant program:

More than $600,000 is coming to the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district via the Municipal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Improvement Grant program.

This funding will improve access to public programs, services, and spaces for people living with disabilities:

Transit Connectivity Grant program:

More than $1.8 million is coming to the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA), Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA), and Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART) service areas to improve access and expand public transit in western and north central Massachusetts, including:

Federal Community Development Block Grant program:

More than $5 million is coming to municipalities in the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district to rehabilitate housing, improve sidewalks and roads, upgrade public facilities, and much more:

Joining InFocus with Patrick Berry

On December 15, I joined Host and Executive Producer Patrick Berry on WWLP-22News’ InFocus program for a great conversation about our region, transparency, higher education, and more.

Check out the full interview below.

Rounding out the December 2025 People's Town Hall

Thank you to everyone who joined the People’s Town Hall on December 15. While I remain committed to providing virtual opportunities to gather, my team and I agree that an in-person event maximizes engagement and accountability. We’ll certainly organize another in-district gathering this year.

The video recording, slideshow presentation, and transcripts (English, Spanish, and French) are available here.

All of the resources shared during the Town Hall can be found here.

I’m grateful to Hadley Media, Northampton Open Media, and Greenfield Community TV for broadcasting the event.

Answering your calls to action on legislation and other pressing issues

About one-third of the hundreds of emails I receive each day are from constituents calling me to act on pieces of legislation or issues they support. Thank you for allowing this “bulk” reply to some of the issues I have heard most about in the recent weeks.

Do I support the Ballot Spending Transparency Act?

YES! On January 15, I joined my colleagues in the Senate in voting YES to pass this bill.

This legislation strengthens transparency and public trust in our elections by requiring monthly financial disclosures by organizers of statewide ballot questions. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.

Will you oppose a tax on vehicle miles driven, given that rural residents drive more miles?

My team and I received a lot of outreach from constituents expressing their opposition to S.2246 — Freedom to Move Act, filed by Senator Cindy Creem. Thank you to everyone who took the time to write and phone.

Unfortunately, this legislation has been mischaracterized in recent media.

The bill does not in any way restrict people's right to drive or impose any fines or taxes.

The purpose of the bill is to make sure that the state prioritizes transportation projects that align with our climate goals — essentially, making sure we spend our transportation dollars wisely by balancing investments between both roads and highways and public transportation like trains and buses.

The bill is also meant to promote regional equity by prioritizing investment in transit options that reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Some news reports have mischaracterized that as a limit on how much people can drive. Instead it would direct state investment to transportation options that reduce how much people have to drive — by providing more and better transportation options.

The Commonwealth already estimates total VMT as part of its Massachusetts Vehicle Census and every state in the nation shares VMT estimates with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Colorado and Minnesota have already adopted similar policies, which have successfully reoriented their transportation plans toward a responsible balance of investment in highway, public transit, and active transportation projects.

Smart Meters

I have heard from many of you regarding your concerns about smart meters that are being installed by Eversource. Because of your advocacy, I co-sponsored An Act relative to smart meters (S.2306).

This legislation would give constituents the right to retain and operate a mechanical analog meter at no cost. I’m sorry to say that recently, the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy voted to not advance this legislation, so it will not move forward this legislative session.

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) regulates utilities and I have consistently conveyed constituent concerns about smart meters directly to the DPU.

Woody biomass

Many of you wrote to me with your concerns about a subsidy for biomass energy for municipal lighting plants (MLPs). I share your concerns.

I have co-sponsored legislation (S.2288) which would prevent MLPs from counting biomass toward their climate targets, and because of your outreach, I have advocated with Senate Ways and Means to move it forward.

Budgeting for home care programs

I share your concern regarding the $16 million FY26 Home Care budget shortfall and the serious impact it will have on people who rely on home care services.

As federal cuts continue to strain the state budget, I am working with my colleagues to ensure programs like Home Care receive the resources they need. I am committed to finding a path forward that protects and funds essential services.

Changes to Group Insurance Commission benefits

Recently, the Group Insurance Commission met to discuss possible FY27 benefit changes that state health plan overseers are set to vote on next month. Proposed changes include removing coverage for GLP-1 medications to treat obesity, increasing urgent care and ER copays, and other policies that would increase member cost-sharing.

I have received many emails from constituents who receive their insurance coverage through the GIC. Please know that I will advocate with my colleagues in Senate Ways and Means to mitigate rate and cost-sharing increases to consumers as the Senate’s FY27 budget proposal is formulated.

Ending debt-based driver’s license suspensions

Recently, a statewide survey by Beacon Research found that Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly support passing the Road to Opportunity Act to end the practice of taking away someone’s driver’s license solely because of debts unrelated to dangerous driving.

I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation and am grateful for your advocacy to bolster economic stability in our region and across the Commonwealth.

Do you support a local option for ranked choice voting?

YES! And in this instance, I think a picture is worth one thousand words.

Ways to engage

Free Tax Preparation through VITA Program — Community Action Pioneer Valley (CAPV) recently announced that appointments are now open for its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, offering free, IRS-certified tax preparation for individuals and families throughout Franklin and Hampshire Counties and the North Quabbin region. Eligibility Information and appointment scheduling are available here.

Apply to join Policy Advocacy Circle — The Hampshire County Food Policy Council is recruiting members for their new Policy Advocacy Circle. The goal of this Circle is to bring together community members and organization partners to help shape the FPC’s policy work. Please fill out the Expression of Interest form (English version and Spanish version) to be considered. Learn more about this opportunity here.

State Legislator Meet & Greet at Greenfield Public Library — Join me and Rep. Whipps at the Greenfield Public Library on Saturday, January 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Community Meeting Room. Stop in to hear about our legislative work, ask questions, and join in the conversation about pressing issues affecting our community.

Office hours in January and February — Legislative Aide Lauren Howard will be hosting remote office hours via Zoom on Friday, January 30 and Tuesday February 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sign up here. Thanks to Lauren for leading.

Out and about

As always, we’re only able to share a few highlights of our team out and about. As you scroll through, please know that I also joined Rep. Whipps to co-host a portion of AOTV’s annual auction and joined Rep. Whipps at Athol High School; joined Rep. Blais in Leverett for an event on rural schools; joined colleagues for the western Massachusetts Library Advocates Legislative Breakfast in Sunderland; spoke with students at The Bement School in Deerfield; and met with the Select Boards of New Salem, Deerfield, Gill, Leverett, and Orange. And more.

***

On December 7, I joined the joyous, love-filled Hot Chocolate Run for Safe Passage to support its work with courageous survivors and its mission for a world free from violence and relationship abuse.

On December 8, I was grateful to join Rep. Whipps, Superintendent Elizabeth Zielinski, School Committee members, and the incredible team at Ralph C. Mahar Regional School for a Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) visit to see firsthand how its investment is advancing work to decarbonize classrooms.

I'm proud to support the Green School Works program, and I am committed to working with MassCEC and other partners to achieve greener, safer, healthier, and more sustainable learning spaces for every student, staff member, and educator in our region.

On December 22, third graders from Hadley Elementary School showed us all how to advocate for something you believe in.

These young people — many with parents and caregivers who work the land — want asparagus, otherwise known as Hadley Grass, to be the official state vegetable. In front of Select Board and School Committee members, school officials, and their families, they spoke with Representative Homar Gómez and me about their intentions and taught us about the history and importance of the noble asparagus!

Later that afternoon, I filed a bill to name asparagus as the state vegetable.

Once again, inspired young people show us how to make government work. Stay tuned for ways to offer supportive testimony.

On January 6, I joined Representative Lindsay Sabadosa for a tour of Cutchins Program for Children & Families’ facility in Northampton. So glad to hear from passionate Cutchins staff and to join Cutchins board members and state colleagues to learn about the program’s essential work.

We’re pictured in the Cutchins’ gym after speaking with children who are program participants.

On January 10, after 30 years of organizing, Library Director Mary Anne Antonellis cut the ribbon and welcomed the community to the Shutesbury Public Library.

It was a joyous morning with heaps of thanks rightly bestowed on the Trustees, Building Committee, Select Board, residents — and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners which established a small library program to make it possible for communities like Shutesbury to apply for funds.

This morning reminded me of the good that's possible. And it continues to strike me as an embodiment of the grit and grace of the people I work for. Glad to share it with Representative Aaron Saunders.

Kudos to Representative Mindy Domb who — aided beautifully by Rep. Saunders — led a food drive for the Amherst Survival Center which collected nearly 5,000 POUNDS of food. On January 19, I visited Mindy with my family’s donation and was utterly in awe of the teams of volunteers receiving and sorting the food. A perfect example of a beloved community on the very day we celebrate the life and work of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education honored Leverett Elementary School as a 2025 School of Excellence. Union 28 Superintendent of Schools Shannon White-Cleveland and Leverett Principal Siby Adina accepted the award on January 20 from Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler and DESE Commissioner Pedro Martinez, and then sat down with Chief of Staff and Leverett Elementary School alum Jared Freedman to discuss rural school funding and more.

Congratulations to Leverett and Union 28!

Where's Jo?

Earlier in January, I posted the following images on social media and invited folks to guess where I’ve been. I often say that I have the most exquisite Senate district in the Commonwealth. These pictures just scratch that surface. I thought it could be uplifting if every now and then I share some of the beauty I see as I go about my work.

Thanks to everyone who engaged.

Congratulations to Jane, Jessica, Lisa, Valle, Kate, Garrett, and Michele who guessed correctly on Facebook that I was in Hadley, walking along the Connecticut River before an early morning meeting on watershed resilience. Soaking in restorative beauty.

We could go on, but we'll stop here and send our love to you.

Jo, Lauren, Jessie, Rachel, Jared, and Katelyn

P.S. In case you missed it, check out my 2025 Wrapped to see what and who I listened to the most this last year. Grateful for every partner, every community conversation, and every leap forward we took together in 2025.