Hello everyone,
Get your shovels, salt, and snowblowers ready, we are in for some snow! Avoid the roads if you can help it, and make sure to give yourselves plenty of breaks while clearing your driveways. Look after your neighbors and lend a hand to those who may need help as the snow piles up. Thank you to our local DPWs and plowing companies that keep our roadways clear and safe.
A sincere thank you to all who reached out to me this week with birthday wishes. I may be a year older, but I am as energized as ever. Earlier this week the Western Mass Delegation met with our federal partners in Congress, Congressman Richard Neal and Congressman Jim McGovern, to discuss our strategy moving forward in support of a West-East passenger rail system. The communities spanning from West Stockbridge to Worcester deserve access to a passenger rail system that will connect the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Thank you again Congressman Neal and Congressman McGovern for your guidance and leadership here, and a special thanks to Senator Jo Comerford for hosting this conversation. I look forward to continuing working with my partners on the state and federal level on this critical investment to our infrastructure.
Team Velis also held office hours in Southwick and Westfield this week and thank you to all the constituents who stopped by with questions. My staff will be at the Southwick Senior Center again next Friday 02/04 from 10:00am – 11:00am. Agawam and Russell, you’re next! We will see you the week of February 7th.
On Tuesday the Joint Committee on the Judiciary heard testimony on legislation, including H4290 An Act to protect victims of crimes and the public, filed by Governor Baker. The testimony was riveting, emotional, and gripping. I testified on one specific piece of the bill, our state’s Dangerousness Hearing statute, to advocate to update the statute to include other heinous crimes that are currently not included. Following the hearing, I tuned into Governor Baker’s State of the Commonwealth address. I am thankful for the Baker-Polito administration’s leadership and look forward to a productive 2022 across the legislature.
To round out a busy week I chaired the first meeting of our National Guard Caucus. I am extremely honored to have the opportunity to work with colleagues, advocates, and most importantly, National Guard members themselves on the issues that are most important to them. The men and women of our National Guard are always there when we need them; it is only right that we are here for them when they need us! I look forward to working with caucus members to advance the Guard’s legislative priorities.
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.
Sincerely,
John C. Velis