Season’s Greetings Everyone,
I hope you all had an excellent Thanksgiving and were able to see family and friends, watch some football, or maybe even get some Black Friday shopping done. My family and I were especially thankful this holiday after the birth of my son earlier this year. We’re already looking forward to his first Christmas as well.
Even with the holiday, we still had a fairly busy week here in the Second Hampden and Hampshire Senate district. On Tuesday morning, I helped judge a mock hearing for Easthampton High School’s “We the People” Club. Led by history teacher Kelley Brown, this group of bright young students competes against other schools in civics competitions. Last year they placed eleventh nationally and based on their performance on Tuesday, I have high hopes again this year.
On Tuesday afternoon I also attended the annual West Springfield and Agawam Rotary Club-Thanksgiving luncheon. This was a great event to share a good meal alongside these Rotarians and other community members who are so devoted to bettering their towns.
That wasn’t the only thanksgiving event either this week. The Forum House in Westfield also held their annual thanksgiving meal.. This is an excellent organization that works with those who have disabilities and their employers to create workplace solutions that allow everyone to reach their maximum potential. Thank you to all over there for the hard work that they do throughout the year and for putting this event on.
In response to both the colder weather finally settling in and an increase in heating costs being felt across the board, the federal government recently announced a $159 million increase in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP. This reflects a nearly 24% increase from funding in the previous fiscal year. Last year, only one in five eligible households accessed the available funds. If you think you may be eligible and are worried about your heating bills this year, I would encourage you to apply. You can do so at https://www.mass.gov/home-energy-assistance-programs or can reach to my office for assistance.
My team held office hours this week on Tuesday in Russell from 11:30am to 12:30pm at the COA. Next week, we will be at the Southampton COA on Wednesday from 10:00am to 11:00am. Please feel free to stop by with any questions, comments, concerns, or just to say hello.
Should you be unable to make our office hours or need assistance sooner than then, please do not 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 where you can also sign up for my newsletter!
Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season,
John Velis