diff --git a/handlers/monthly_update/__init__.py b/handlers/monthly_update/__init__.py
index 8b0d2ca..5d94aab 100644
--- a/handlers/monthly_update/__init__.py
+++ b/handlers/monthly_update/__init__.py
@@ -30,9 +30,6 @@ def on_issue_labeled(self, api, payload):
             api.post_comment(MSG % (api.user, REPLY))
 
     def on_new_comment(self, api, payload):
-        if payload['issue']['state'] != 'open':
-            return
-
         user = payload['comment']['user']['login']
         if user == api.user:    # ignore comments from self
             return              # (since `MSG` already has `REPLY`)
diff --git a/handlers/monthly_update/tests/reply.json b/handlers/monthly_update/tests/reply.json
index 325ded4..f19f917 100644
--- a/handlers/monthly_update/tests/reply.json
+++ b/handlers/monthly_update/tests/reply.json
@@ -12,8 +12,7 @@
         },
         "action": "created",
         "issue": {
-            "number": 130,
-            "state": "open"
+            "number": 130
         },
         "comment": {
             "user": {