Happy August Everyone,
It is officially the last month of summer. I hope everyone is staying cool with the hot and humid temperatures that have come our way!
This past Sunday was the final day of formal session and some very important bills were passed by the legislature and sent to the Governor’s desk before we adjourned. The all-night session went for a total of 23 hours and ended at 11am Monday Morning.
Some of the bills that are now awaiting Governor Baker’s final approval include the Sports Betting Bill, our Mental Health omnibus bill and the SPEED Act, a bill I filed that will increase supports and resources for service members and their families across the Commonwealth. I am thrilled that these pieces of legislation will be moving forward, and I know that they will have a positive impact on the Commonwealth and in our community.
I also am excited to announce the recent passing of the PACT Act by the U.S. Senate. Earlier in the week, I urged my federal colleagues to vote in support of the act and to get the bill to the President’s desk. Now, the act that would finally provide health care and disability compensation to millions of service members exposed to burn pits and other toxins will be signed into law in the coming days. The PACT Act is a huge victory for Veterans across our nation and perfectly complements the SPEED Act for Massachusetts service members that now sits on the Governor’s desk. I will continue to advocate for laws that provide Veterans with the care and benefits that they have earned and deserved.
In the district this week, the grand opening and ribbon cutting for Camelot Jewelers took place in Westfield. The daylong celebration included food trucks, giveaways, and games for the public. Camelot Jewlers is open Tuesday-Saturday, so make sure to check them out! Congratulations to owners Matt Harris and Matt Turgeon!
I would like to also celebrate Colonel Tom “Sling” Bladen’s Retirment from the USAF 104th Fighter Wing. This past Thursday, we celebrated Colonel Bladen with his F15 Fini Flight. Your demonstration of leadership, integrity, and contribution to your community is one that will be remembered Colonel. Congratulations on your retirement and wonderful career!
This week my team held office hours in Agawam on Monday and in Southwick on Friday. Next week we will be at the Chicopee COA on Monday from 10:00am – 11:00am and at the Russell COA Friday 11:30am-12:30pm. Please feel free to stop by with any questions or concerns–we are always happy to help!
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 where you can also sign up for my newsletter!
Sincerely,
John Velis