Hello Everyone,
This weekend, families across the Commonwealth will celebrate Easter Sunday and observe the start of Passover. Wishing you all a blessed, joyful, and healthy weekend with your loved ones.
Last weekend, I attended the National Conference of State Legislatures Behavioral Health Conference in Washington D.C. During the conference I met with experts in the behavioral health and substance use fields and with legislators from Connecticut to Alaska. It was heartbreaking to hear how the opioid epidemic has touched every corner of this great country. At the same time, I was encouraged by the opportunity to share Massachusetts’ story and how the opioid epidemic is being addressed on a state and local level. I laid out to the conference three areas of focus that will shape future legislation in Massachusetts: preventing overdoses, addressing barriers to treatment, and promoting recovery. It was informative to hear thoughts from other state legislators and to learn about ideas to make Massachusetts an even healthier and safer place.
On the heels of the conference, it was time again for Team Velis to take to the basketball court. On Monday, I was joined by Sheriff Cocchi, Senator Gomez, Holyoke Mayor Garcia, and Holyoke City Councilor Rivera for a five-on-five charity game at the Holyoke YMCA. Unfortunately, the game ended with similar results, a devastating loss in a game that went down to the wire. The highlight of the game came when Sheriff Cocchi put up a hook shot while surrounded by defenders, nothing but air! In all seriousness, the people at the YMCA are doing amazing things for the youth in our communities, it is incredibly rewarding shaking the hands of these young men and women after a hard-fought game of hoops. I was also happy to make a donation to help offset the cost of transportation to a Celtics game the group had recently attended.
Speaking of youth organizations, I was honored this week to be chosen by the MA Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs as their 2021 Senate “Champion of Youth”. On Wednesday, I visited the newly renovated West Springfield Boys & Girls Club to receive this honor. Our Clubs have always been amazing and transformative resource for youth in our communities. I know that personally from my time spent as a kid at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield and my later years as a mentor, and I will continue to support them however I can.
Office hours this week were held at the Chicopee Senior Center. It’s always great to hear from constituents and our next office hours will be Monday, April 25th, from 12:30PM – 1:30PM at the Westfield Senior Center.
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