Author: john_velis

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September 19, 2026 – Weekly Update

Hello everyone, 

This week was another busy one in Western Mass, especially with the official start of the Big E. I don’t know about you all, but I’m ready for some fair food! 

The past week has been full of events, milestones, and preparations for the next legislative session. 

Last weekend, I had the honor of helping welcome the F‑35 to Barnes Air National Guard Base alongside the men and women of the 104th Fighter Wing, military families, our international partners from Paraguay and Kenya, and leaders from every level of government. It was a proud day for the 104th, the City of Westfield, and the Commonwealth, and I’m grateful to share a home with these new aircraft. 

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Team Velis hosted office hours at the Easthampton Council on Aging and the Holyoke Council on Aging. While visiting, we caught up with COA staff and spoke with constituents about legislation related to utility costs. Up on Beacon Hill, my policy team and I continued brainstorming ideas for potential legislation to introduce next session, prioritizing policies that uplift Western Mass. 

On Wednesday afternoon, I attended the Western Mass Veterans Treatment Court Graduation, celebrating four graduates, including the program’s 100th graduate. The work this court does is immeasurable and truly demonstrates the power of second chances. That evening, I joined the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield for their annual meeting and the induction of this year’s Wall of Fame honorees. As a past inductee, I know how meaningful it is to work with such an incredible group of people and to champion youth across Western Mass. Congratulations to all—what a genuine honor! 

On Thursday morning, I spoke at the Western Mass Economic Development Council’s Board meeting about regional priorities heading into next session, and to share updates on the Legislature’s Economic Development Bill that is currently being finalized. Later that afternoon, I traveled to Agawam to celebrate the grand opening of No Fear Fitness. If you know me, you know how important fitness is to my daily routine, and it’s great to welcome another resource that supports community health. 

I began Friday at the Big E in honor of National POW/MIA Recognition Day and the Big E’s Military Appreciation Day. The fair hosted a truly reflective ceremony honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice and reaffirming our commitment to keeping their memories alive. Shortly after, I visited the Roberta G. Doering School in Agawam for my annual Constitution Day visit, where I have always enjoyed speaking with the next generation about civics question, our democracy, and what it means to be an active citizen! 

A busy week, and I’m looking forward to the next, asTeam Velis will host office hours at the Russell Council on Aging on Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. If you’re unable to attend, you can always reach me by email at john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone at (413) 572‑3920, or online at senatorjohnvelis.com. 

Sincerely,  

John Velis 

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September 12, 2026 – Weekly Update

Hi Everyone, 

I hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day Weekend and were able to enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Coming off the long weekend, Team Velis was ready to hit the ground running and get back out into the community. 

We began the week hosting office hours at the Chicopee and West Springfield Councils on Aging. Bridget had the chance to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new ones as well. Getting out into the community, talking with residents, and hearing directly about what matters most to them will always be one of my favorite parts of this job. If there is ever anything our office can assist you with—or if you simply want to stop by and say hello—please feel free to visit any of the office hours Team Velis hosts throughout the district each month. 

This week I also visited Holyoke Fire Headquarters and met with firefighters to tour the facilities, and also to discuss funding opportunities that support the health and wellness of our first responders. Their work is vital, and it will always be a priority of mine to learn how we can better support our firefighters and the essential services they provide.  

On Thursday afternoon, I stopped by Westfield State University to meet President Dr. Thompson, along with university, municipal, and state leaders, for a conversation about how we can continue to support the needs of a growing student population. Our region is fortunate to be home to so many strong educational institutions, and it’s important that we work together to ensure students have the resources they need to succeed. 

Afterward on Thursday, I attended the Estate Planning Council of Hampden County’s “Welcome Back” Networking Social, where I had the opportunity to connect with professionals in this field and discuss state policy issues and tax legislation that is relevant to their work. 

Friday marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. It was a solemn morning in Westfield as our community gathered to remember all those we lost and to support the families of Tara Shea Creamer, Brian Murphy, and Daniel Trant. As a nation, we made a promise to “Never Forget,” and that promise is more important now than ever as we pass on the stories of that tragic day to an entire generation who were too young to remember or not yet born. It is our responsibility to honor the heroic actions of both civilians and first responders who ran toward danger on that day, and to keep alive the memories of the many beautiful lives lost. 

As we head into the weekend, I look forward to stopping by more events throughout the district taking place. Next week Team Velis will be hosting office hours at the Easthampton Council on Aging on Tuesday from 10:30am to 11:30am and again on Wednesday at the Holyoke Council on Aging from 10:00am to 11:00am. If you are unable to make office hours, I can always be reached by email, john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone, (413) 572-3920, and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.       

Sincerely,  
John Velis 

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September 5, 2026 – Weekly Update

Hi Everyone,

With September officially underway, the school year beginning, and the weather turning cooler, I’m excited to dive into the fall season and all the activity it brings across our communities. 

This past week was full of events that highlighted the energy, generosity, and spirit of Western Massachusetts. As I shared last week, last weekend I had the honor of coaching Holyoke YMCA youth athletes in a friendly basketball game against the Springfield YMCA team, led by my friend Senator Adam Gomez, at the Basketball Hall of Fame. The game was intense, the crowd was electric, and most importantly, everyone had fun. I hope new friendships were formed throughout the night, and I’m already looking forward to more games throughout our community. 

Last weekend I also stopped by the Russell–Montgomery Family Fun Day. It was wonderful to see families and friends enjoying the car show, playing games, and spending time together outdoors. My thanks go to the Russell–Montgomery Police Department and all the volunteers who made such a joyful community event possible. 

On Monday, I began the week in Westfield at Baystate Noble Hospital, where leaders shared updated plans for their new emergency department, which will allow medical staff to work more efficiently and provide improved care to patients across the region. Monday also marked International Overdose Awareness Day, and I was glad to join communities throughout my district for events focused on remembering those lost to overdose and recognizing those who are still fighting for another day in recovery. I am deeply grateful to the organizations and community members who organized these powerful gatherings, and to the families and individuals who bravely shared their stories. 

Tuesday was Primary Day in Massachusetts, and I hope everyone had the opportunity to get out and vote. A heartfelt thank‑you to all of the poll workers and volunteers who make our democratic process possible! 

On Wednesday, I attended the ribbon cutting for the newly completed Farm in the Woods at Amelia Park Children’s Museum. This outdoor space gives children the chance to play, explore, and learn about agriculture in an interactive environment. I was proud to help secure funding in the FY26 budget to help make this exhibit possible. 

On Thursday, Team Velis was proud to join Peerless Precision in Westfield to celebrate their 50th anniversary—a remarkable milestone for a company that has long been an engaged and valued member of our community. Here’s to 50 more years of success! 

As a reminder, our office will be closed on Monday for Labor Day. Our next office hours will be held Tuesday at the Chicopee Council on Aging from 10:00–11:00 a.m., and Wednesday at the West Springfield Council on Aging from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. If you’re unable to attend, you can always reach us by email at john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone at (413) 572‑3920, or online at senatorjohnvelis.com. 

Sincerely,  

John Velis 

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August 29, 2026 – Weekly Update

Hi everyone, 

I hope you were all able to enjoy these last few days of summer before school starts up again. August has been a busy month across the district, and we’re looking forward to an equally busy fall here in Western Massachusetts. 

Monday marked the first day of school for Holyoke Public Schools, the first district in our region to return to the classroom. I hope students, educators, and staff across all our communities are off to a strong start. Team Velis also held office hours at the Holyoke Council on Aging, where we had the chance to connect directly with constituents and hear what’s on their minds. 

On Tuesday, I attended the groundbreaking for the Westfield Police Department’s new headquarters at 6 Union Street. This new facility has been a long time coming and will give the department the space and resources it needs to continue serving the Westfield community. Construction is expected to be completed in September 2027. 

Team Velis also started Tuesday morning at the Southampton Council on Aging, where Bridget joined the morning coffee group and knitting club to catch up on summer happenings and talk through some ideas for potential legislation next session. 

On Wednesday, Team Velis attended the ribbon cutting for Vital Care of Springfield in West Springfield. It was great to welcome them to the community and learn more about the infusion therapy services they will be providing to patients throughout Western Massachusetts.  

On Thursday evening, Team Velis joined OneHolyoke CDC’s Neighbor Circles, a four-part community conversation series that brings residents together to discuss concerns in the city, identify shared priorities, and talk about potential solutions. Opportunities like these are a great way for us to hear directly from residents about what’s happening in their neighborhoods and what they’d like to see addressed. 

On Friday, Behavioral Health Network hosted its annual International Overdose Awareness event in Springfield. This ceremony of remembrance gives our community an important opportunity to honor those we have lost, reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorder, and support those who are battling addiction or working toward recovery. 

And finally, one event I’ve been especially looking forward to: the 2026 “Commonwealth Classic.” Senator Gómez and I will be coaching teams of youth from the Greater Holyoke YMCA and YMCA of Greater Springfield this Saturday at the Basketball Hall of Fame. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love basketball, and I’m especially excited to see these kids get the opportunity to take the court at one of Western Massachusetts’ most iconic institutions. I’m looking forward to a fun night and some friendly competition with Team Gómez! 

We will hold our next office hours at the Agawam Council on Aging on Monday, September 7, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If you’re unable to attend, you can always reach us by email at john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone at (413) 572-3920, or online at senatorjohnvelis.com. 

Best, 

John Velis

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August 22, 2026 – Weekly Update

Hi everyone,  

I hope that everyone had a great week and was able to enjoy the nice weather! August has been jam packed with different events throughout the district, and this week was no exception. 

On Monday evening I joined Easthampton residents at an Overdose Awareness Candlelight Vigil that was hosted by Learn to Cope. It was truly a beautiful gathering and a reminder to all of us of the importance of coming together and sharing the memories of those we have lost to overdoses. 

On Tuesday I had the opportunity to sit down with the Secretary of the Executive Office of Education (EOE), Stephen Zrike (the former Superintendent of Holyoke Public Schools), to discuss different public safety programs in our schools and potential standardized school emergency maps for districts across the state. We discussed how EOE could collaborate with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) as we continue to research funding pathways to provide these protects from our students.  

I was proud to start the day on Wednesday by visiting Camp Shepard at the Westfield YMCA to announce $100,000 in state funding I secured in the FY27 state budget for the camp. This earmark funding will go towards infrastructure improvements to camp facilities and increase programming for this incredible community staple. While touring the site, Mayor McCabe, Representative Pease, and I all tried our hand at archery, and we could all use a little more target practice!   

Team Velis was also proud to celebrate National Aviation Day on Wednesday and honor our Commonwealth’s vibrant aviation industry. As Chair of the Legislature’s Aviation Caucus, I have been proud to support our aviation sector in Massachusetts, including right here in Westfield.  

Later Wednesday afternoon, I attended Sheriff Cocchi’s annual cookout, which is always a great opportunity for community leaders, organizations, and residents from across the Commonwealth for an afternoon of food, conversation, and fun! 

Thursday was another busy day in the district! I started my day off in Holyoke, attending the ribbon cutting for Florence Bank’s new location. It is so exciting to welcome a community bank that works to engage beyond the business side of things into Holyoke. Later that afternoon, I met with residents from Greater Springfield Senior Services at their new West Springfield location to discuss the Supportive Housing Program, and how state legislation can support services available to help older adults. This meeting was a great opportunity to reconnect with residents at the new GSSS site and discuss civic engagement directly with community leaders. 

This week, Team Velis hosted office hours in Holyoke. Next week we will be hosting office hours at the Russell Council on Aging on Tuesday from 11:30am to 12:30pm and again on Wednesday at the Southampton Council on Aging from 9:30am to 10:30am. If you are unable to make office hours, you can reach us by email,  john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone, (413) 572-3920, and online at senatorjohnvelis.com.    

Sincerely,  
John Velis 

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August 15, 2026 Weekly Update

Hello everyone,  

I hope you’re enjoying August and finding ways to stay cool—I know I’m already looking forward to the cooler months ahead! 

One of the nice parts about August is that I get to spend a bit more time in the district, meeting with folks and organizations from throughout our communities. I kicked off the week on Monday by calling bingo at the Agawam Senior Center. It was an absolute blast, and I loved the enthusiasm our seniors brought. Visiting our community centers is always a highlight, and it was great to join in on the fun activities they host. 

On Wednesday, I sat down with the Managing Editors of “So That Reminds Me”, a biweekly podcast produced by Reminder Publishing. We had a great conversation about our recent economic deployment bill, legislation related to cell phones in schools and social media, how I stayed connected with my team during my deployment, and more. Be sure to keep an eye out and tune in to hear our conversation and some of my updates from the Senate. 

Later Wednesday, I sat down with our partners from Western Mass Access Care to discuss support services for aging adults in our district, and potential legislation for next session. These conversations are essential as we work to ensure elders and their families have access to the resources they need. 

On Thursday, my district team and I met with OneHolyoke CDC to talk about recent community development projects and statewide initiatives, including legislation we passed this session to promote early literacy and support libraries. OneHolyoke CDC has been leading the charge on early literacy programs, and it’s been great to work alongside them on legislation this session. We also discussed the transition of the organization, as Nayroby Rosa has taken over as Executive Director after my good friend Mike Moriarty’s departure. 

This weekend marks the 80th anniversary of India’s independence, and communities across our district continue to gather to commemorate this historic day. On Friday, Chicopee residents met at City Hall for the annual Indian Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony, and this weekend the Gujarati Association of Western Massachusetts and the Indian Association of Greater Springfield will host their Independence Day celebration. 

If you’re looking for something else fun to do with your family this weekend, Southampton is hosting its annual town picnic, Celebrate Southampton. Attractions include raffles, balloon art, face painting, the Citizen of the Year presentation, and more. Stop by Conant Park and enjoy the summer weather with friends, family, and neighbors! 

This week, Team Velis hosted office hours in West Springfield. Next week, we will hold office hours at the Holyoke Council on Aging on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. If you’re unable to attend, you can always reach us by email at john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone at (413) 572-3920, or online at senatorjohnvelis.com. 

Sincerely,  
John Velis 

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Senate Passes Bill to Protect Firefighters, Construction Workers from Deadly Code Violations

(BOSTON—8/13/2026) The Massachusetts Senate today passed legislation to protect firefighters, construction workers, and the public by strengthening penalties for fire code and building code violations that result in death or serious injury.

Under the bill, people who commit certain fire code or building code violations that cause a death would face a criminal penalty of up to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $500,000.

The legislation carries out key recommendations of the Walsh-Kennedy Commission. The Legislature formed the commission after the deadly 2014 brownstone fire in Boston’s Back Bay, which was caused by unpermitted welding work and killed Boston Fire Lieutenant Edward Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy.

“Our firefighters and construction workers run toward danger so the rest of us don’t have to. The very least we can do is make sure the rules meant to protect them are followed—and that there are real consequences when they’re not. The Walsh‑Kennedy Commission made clear that cutting corners can cost lives, and this bill reflects that truth.,” said Senator John C, Velis (D-Westfield). “By establishing serious penalties for reckless violations of fire and building codes, we are honoring Lieutenant Walsh and Firefighter Kennedy, strengthening accountability, and taking meaningful steps to prevent another tragedy like the one that shook Boston in 2014.”

“Lieutenant Walsh and Firefighter Kennedy’s lives were tragically cut short because someone chose to cut a corner,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Absolutely no one should lose a parent, spouse, or loved one because fire code was not followed, and this bill makes clear that we will hold people accountable if they ignore safety rules and put other people in danger. I applaud Senator Brownsberger and Senator Collins for their leadership and thank Chair Rodrigues for shepherding this legislation to the floor.”

“This legislation is an important step toward setting clear standards for this dangerous work, strengthening accountability, and creating stronger incentives to put safety first,” said Senator Nick Collins (D-South Boston), Co-Chair of the Walsh-Kennedy Commission. “We learned from past tragedies, and we have a responsibility to carry those lessons forward to better protect workers, firefighters, and the neighborhoods where this work is taking place. I was proud to serve on the commission and have direct, informed conversations with the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts and Boston Firefighters Local 718, and I want to thank my Senate colleagues for helping see this effort through to this important point.” 

In cases where a fire code or building code violation causes serious bodily injury, the criminal penalty would include up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

The bill also significantly enhances the penalty for violations of the state fire prevention law related to hot work—which includes welding, plasma cutting, and spark-producing construction. It increases the fine for a first offense from $100 to $1,000.

Third and subsequent offenses for hot work violations could be penalized with up to two and a half years in a house of correction and a share of the building project’s total value.

The legislation—S.3251, An Act implementing the recommendations of the Walsh-Kennedy Commission Report—also codifies criteria for the training and certification of people conducting hot work.

Full details of the bill are available in a fact sheet in the Senate’s press room.

This is the second bill that the Senate has passed this session to strengthen safety for first responders and tradespeople conducting hot work. The first bill, which went on to be passed by the House and signed by the Governor, created requirements for consistent tracking and notification of code violations.

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means redrafted the bill and reported it to the full Senate with a 16-0 vote on August 10, 2026. All votes at the committee and chamber levels are publicly posted on the Legislature’s website. Following open deliberation and remarks during today’s session, the Senate unanimously passed the bill and sent it back to the House for further consideration.

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August 8, 2026 – Weekly Update

Hello Everyone,

Happy August! It’s hard to believe we’re already in the final month of summer.

After a busy July wrapping up the 195th formal legislative session, this week brought a welcome shift in pace. I’m looking forward to taking advantage of the slower month by catching up with friends and family and spending more time around the district.

Team Velis started off the week by hosting office hours in Agawam. It’s always wonderful to connect with our constituents and assist with any concerns they may have.

On Tuesday night, Agawam High School honored 25 students at the Adult Education Graduation Ceremony—an incredible milestone. Congratulations to all of this year’s graduates! I can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.

Friday marked Purple Heart Day, observed annually to honor the brave U.S. service members who were wounded or killed in military combat. Communities across our district held events to recognize their sacrifice, including West Springfield, Westfield, and Holyoke. Team Velis was honored to attend the annual Purple Heart Day Luncheon in Holyoke, hosted by the Western Massachusetts Veterans’ Service Officers’ Association. It is always a privilege to join our community and veterans in recognizing and thanking local Purple Heart recipients for their service. Sharing a meal and hearing the stories of veterans and their families is truly a humbling experience.

This week also marks Team Velis’ final week with our summer interns. Our entire office extends a huge thank you to each of them for their hard work and dedication in serving our constituents throughout the summer. We will miss having them in the office and cannot wait to see what the future holds for this bright group of individuals!

This week, Team Velis hosted office hours in Agawam. Next week, we will hold office hours at the Chicopee Council on Aging on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and again at the West Springfield Council on Aging on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m.  If you’re unable to attend, you can always reach us by email at john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone at (413) 572‑3920, or online at senatorjohnvelis.com.

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Senate Applauds Housing Progress on Affordable Homes Act Anniversary

(BOSTON—8/6/2026) Two years after the Legislature passed the landmark Affordable Homes Act, the law continues to deliver measurable progress toward increasing housing production, lowering barriers to building, and helping more Massachusetts residents find homes they can afford.

Signed into law on August 6, 2024, the Affordable Homes Act represented the largest housing investment in Massachusetts history, pairing more than $5 billion in housing authorizations with sweeping policy reforms designed to increase the Commonwealth’s housing supply, preserve affordable homes, and make housing more accessible for residents across the state.

“The Affordable Homes Act is proof that when we treat housing like the urgent, statewide challenge it is, we can deliver real results for Massachusetts families. In just two years, this law has helped put thousands of new homes on the ground, expanded options like ADUs, and strengthened protections for buyers and renters alike,” said Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield). I’m committed to continuing the push for policies that make housing more affordable, more accessible, and more reflective of the needs of every community across our Commonwealth, especially here in Western Mass.”

“We have made real progress in addressing our housing crisis because of the Affordable Homes Act,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “We invested in building more homes, we cut red tape, and we strengthened protections for renters and homeowners. This session, we built on that progress with innovative solutions, from shifting brokers’ fees away from renters, to eliminating the sales tax on building materials for certain housing construction. There is more work to do, and the Senate will continue pursuing policies that lower housing costs and expand housing opportunities across Massachusetts.”

“As a millennial, I’ve seen firsthand how Massachusetts’ dire housing shortage is harming our families, our workforce and our future prosperity,” said Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing Senator Julian Cyr. “The Affordable Homes Act demonstrates what we can accomplish with bold investments and new approaches to this persistent but solvable problem. Because of the Affordable Homes Act, we’re finally putting a real dent in a decades-in-the-making housing crisis with a sweeping array of tools and resources to construct and preserve housing across the Commonwealth. We’ve only seen the beginning of what this landmark legislation will deliver in the coming years. I’m also heartened that we’ve passed significant housing provisions in this legislative session, and I look forward to building on this momentum to make Massachusetts a place where everyone can call home.”

Housing Stock 

In 2025, Massachusetts added more than 35,000 homes across the state, marking major progress toward building more housing and driving down costs. 

ADUs

As of February 2026, over 1,200 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) had been approved because of the legislation. The Affordable Homes Act allowed ADUs to be built by right in communities everywhere in Massachusetts. 

Momentum Fund: Catalyzing Middle Income Housing 

The legislation created the Momentum Fund, a first-in-the-nation state revolving fund to support mixed-income housing production. Using $50 million in public equity funding, the financing has already supported the development of 627 mixed-income rental homes, including 140 affordable homes across the state, as of July 2026. 

Protecting Homebuyers’ Inspection Rights 

The bill made Massachusetts a national leader in buyer protections by protecting a homebuyers’ right to a home inspection and prohibiting sellers or their agents from selling a home on the condition that a buyer waive an inspection. The policy also prevents a seller from accepting an offer if the seller is informed in advance that the buyer intends to waive their right to an inspection.

The Senate has continued to build on that progress during the 2025–2026 legislative session, approving legislation that would allow duplexes by right in residential districts statewide, shifting brokers’ fees away from renters, eliminating the sales tax on building materials for certain housing construction projects, creating new opportunities to convert underutilized commercial properties into housing, passing major permitting reforms so shovels get in the ground faster, requiring more timely review processes for housing construction projects, and providing incentives to communities building housing.

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August 1, 2026 – Weekly Update

Hi everyone,

I hope you all had a great week despite the rain! Team Velis and I were eager to jump into the final week of July!

On Tuesday, we hosted office hours at the Russell Council on Aging. During our visit, Bridget met with community leaders and constituents to discuss funding included in the State’s Fair Share supplemental budget, specifically support for student transportation in the rural regional school district. We also heard exciting news about Russell beginning preparations for a new playground project, and I can’t wait to visit the playground once it is complete to play some catch with my little man, Carson!

Wednesday was a busy day throughout the district. We started in Southampton with office hours, where we joined the Veterans Coffee Hour and Knitting Club in conversations about local life. From there, Team Velis traveled to Holyoke for the kickoff of Holyoke’s Fiestas Patronales, celebrating its 5th anniversary and welcoming the mayor of Naranjito, Puerto Rico, Orlando Ortiz Chevres, along with several community leaders. We hope the rest of the weekend is filled with great music, food, and celebration!

On Thursday morning, Team Velis met with the Western Mass Network to End Homelessness. The taskforce brought together service providers and local officials to discuss housing policies and priorities aimed at supporting residents across the region. Later in the day, our office attended an announcement in Springfield unveiling a major capital investment in the MassMutual Center and funding that will help upgrade the facility, strengthen the regional economy, and enhance the home of the Springfield Thunderbirds. I am hopeful that these measures will help reinforce the MassMutual Center’s role as a key driver of tourism, entertainment, and economic activity in Western Massachusetts. We closed Thursday by celebrating Big Y’s 90th anniversary in Chicopee alongside Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and other community partners, recognizing the company’s longstanding commitment to Western Massachusetts.

Throughout the week, Beacon Hill has been lively as the legislature wraps up formal sessions. With this deadline in mind, my team and I were focused on pushing a number of legislative priorities over the finish-line, and the Senate took up several compromise conference committee reports, including final legislation related to home care workers and much more. Team Velis and I are continuously grateful for the opportunity to serve and our community throughout this legislative period.

This week, Team Velis hosted office hours in both Russell and Southampton. Next week, we will hold office hours at the Agawam Council on Aging on Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If you’re unable to attend, you can always reach us by email at john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone at (413) 572‑3920, or online at senatorjohnvelis.com.

Best,

John Velis

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