December 2, 2024 The Massachusetts Association of Early Education & Care, a statewide Association of early education programs from North Adams to Boston, today recognized Senator Joanne Comerford (D-Northampton) with the 2024 Legislative Achievement Award. The award recognizes Senator Comerford’s efforts on behalf of early education programs and the children and families they serve. The award was presented at the Sheraton-Framingham hotel in front of 100 early education program leaders. The award was presented by Stephen Huntley, President of the Association and Executive Director of Valley Opportunity Council in Holyoke and Clare Higgins, Board Member of the Association and Executive Director of Community Action in Greenfield. Award Presentation “Jo Comerford has been an advocate for children and families since well before her election as our Senator. She learned about the childcare crisis because she lived it with her own children,” stated Ms. Higgins. “Senator Comerford has used her experience and her policy acumen to change the way childcare is supported in the Commonwealth and we are all much better off because of her service.” “The Commonwealth must make childcare more affordable and improve wages for those who serve the youngest among us,” said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). “I am deeply grateful to the Massachusetts Association of Early Education & Care for its steadfast advocacy for early education and humbled by this Legislative Achievement Award.”