Hello Everyone,
Some personal news to start. I’m happy to announce that after almost a year of engagement, my then fiancée and now wife, Emily, and I were finally married! We were able to celebrate our wedding and her birthday this past weekend and I want to thank everyone who has shared kind messages with us.
Besides the happy news, I was still able to get out in the district and get some work done this week. I met with President Royal from Holyoke Community College to discuss legislative priorities and to get an update on how the college is doing in general. HCC is an asset to our workforce and in turn, community as whole. I look forward to working with President Royale to find new ways to improve and expand higher education in the district.
I also had the pleasure of meeting with Girls Inc. later in the week. This is a very social organization whose goal is to empower young women through athletics and academics to prepare them to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers that women so often face. I can’t wait to see the leaders and innovators that these young women are going to become.
This was also the first week that all Massachusetts residents were eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations. I recently had my first vaccination myself and I encourage all those who are eligible to do so as well. The shots are safe and free. It’s an important way for us to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Sign ups can be done online at vaccinesignup.mass.gov/#/ or over the phone at 2-1-1.
Last week the House of Representatives unanimously passed the Holyoke Soldiers Home bond bill that will finance the reconstruction of a new facility. Next week the Senate will vote on its own version of the bond bill. Ensuring that the $400 million needed for the reconstruction is secured has been my priority since day one and I am proud to announce that the full amount is included in the Senate’s version.
Recently I’ve started sending out newsletters from my office. You can sign up at senatorjohnvelis.com/newsletter/ to receive the newsletter right in your email inbox.
As always, if there is anything I can do to assist you, please never hesitate to reach out to my office. I can be reached at my email: john.velis@masenate.gov or by phone: (413) 572-3920 and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.
John Velis