Happy start of Passover and Easter weekend to those celebrating!
It was a busy week in the Senate. This past Monday I had legislative meetings with MassHire Holyoke and the Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems. Both groups do great work in different areas and I look forward to advocating for both as the Senator for Holyoke and the Chair of the Mental Health, Substance Use, & Recovery Committee.
On Tuesday I testified before the Judiciary Committee on S1142, An Act relative to the Humane Protection of Animals. I filed this bill to help expand protections for animals and ensure that our judicial system has the tools it needs to deal with animal cruelty crimes. The comprehensive and encompassing legislation includes measures previously passed by the Massachusetts State Senate and recommendations from the Animal Cruelty Task Force.
This Wednesday we honored the Commonwealth’s Gold Star Spouses with a special event on Beacon Hill. On this and every day, we remember those service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and the sacrifice of their loved ones as well.
On Thursday I got to meet back up with Easthampton High School’s “We The People” civics team as they prepared for their national competition with a mock hearing at the State House. Representative Carey and I got to show the students around the building after their practice and took them into the Senate chamber as well. With the competition just two weeks away, I wish the best of luck to all of you!
Next week we’ll be holding office hours at the Chicopee COA on Tuesday from 10:00am-11:00am and at the West Springfield COA on Wednesday from 11:00am-12:00pm. Please feel free to stop by with any questions, comments, concerns, or 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