Hello Everyone,
Hope you are doing well and enjoying this Spring weather. A shortened, yet busy week in the Legislature and District.
On Monday, the Commonwealth celebrated Patriots Day, highlighted by the running of the Boston Marathon. Congratulations to all that participated, what an incredible accomplishment!
It was great to visit Westfield State University on Tuesday. While there, I met with President Linda Thompson to discuss workforce development and how we can work together to meet labor needs. Following our meeting, I spoke with the WSU Student Government body about the mental health challenges facing college-aged students. Each Spring it is an honor to meet with these future leaders to discuss current events and important topics on campus. I am always impressed by the folks involved in Student Government; it is encouraging to see them have such a vested interest in their university.
On Wednesday I was able to tour Girls Inc. of the Valley in Holyoke. I enjoyed seeing the renovations they have undertaken to secure an even brighter future for girls of all ages. The renovations will allow Girls Inc. to provide leadership and developmental opportunities inside and outside of their four walls. I look forward to continuing to support them in their mission.
Westfield and the greater area received some tremendous news this week. The 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base has been selected by the Department of Defense as the home for the next generation F-35A Fighter Jets. The future deployment of these aircraft is a testament to the hard work completed over the last several years, including last year’s passage of the SPEED Act. With the F-35A in place, Barnes will continue to serve a critical role in our national defense strategy, as well as our regional economy, for decades to come.
On Thursday it was great to meet with the NAN Project, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention and mental health education program for young people. This meeting was followed by a discussion with Even Health and Alkermes on Friday, two organizations that are focused on expanding access to mental health resources. Organizations like these are on the frontlines of the mental health space and I am humbled to get to know them and learn about their work.
This week my team held office hours in Easthampton and Holyoke. Next week we will be at the Westfield COA on Monday from 12:30PM to 1:30PM, Russell COA on Tuesday 11:30AM to 12:30PM, Southampton COA on Wednesday 10:00AM to 11:00AM. Feel free to stop by with any questions, comments, concerns, are just to say hello!
If you are unable 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