Hello Everyone,
I hope everyone was able to enjoy the snow this week. With dropping temperatures, I want to share some resources available as well as mention efforts in the Legislature that I am working on to assist.
Earlier this month, I joined more than 90 of my colleagues in urging the Department of Public Utilities to reconsider the energy rates they had previously approved for utility companies this fall. With oil trading at a significantly lower rate than in the early fall, I firmly believe these high rates should be looked at again. Being only halfway through winter, anything we can do now with these rates will make a huge difference.
On Monday, I attended a legislative luncheon for the MIFA Victory Theater in Holyoke. This theater is landmark of Western Mass and will hopefully soon be a center of culture again. I’d like to thank my fellow legislators for joining us and for all those at MIFA doing the hard work of getting this theater restored to its former glory.
Tuesday, I did my taping for my monthly cable access show, Beacon Hill to 413. This month, my guest was retired Airforce Lt. Col. and former Deputy Superintendent of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, John Paradis. John has always been an excellent advocate for veterans and as one myself, we’re lucky to have him in our corner. On the show, we discussed both the soldiers’ homes and how in the upcoming legislative session we can best support our veterans. Keep an eye on your local cable channels for the show or head to my website to watch it.
This week I’m proud to announce my appointment to the National Mental Health Taskforce Force that is being convened by the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Council of State Governments, and the US Department of Labor As such, this past Thursday and Friday, I attended our first conference focused on addressing the topic of mental health in our workforce. Gathering with other legislators to discuss policy that supports those with mental health conditions is the first step in creating legislation that can benefit those with these conditions in the workforce. I am honored to represent Massachusetts and look forward to continuing this important work.
This week, my staff held office hours at the Westfield COA on Monday and at the Southampton COA o Wednesday. We will be back in Agawam on February 6th from 10:00am to 11:00am. Please feel free to stop by with any questions, comments, concerns, or just to say hello!
If you are unbale to make our office hours or need assistance any sooner, I can always be reached at my email: john.velis@masenate.gov or by phone: (413) 572-3920. You can also find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com where you can also sign up for my newsletter!
Best,
John Velis