Author: john_velis

(BOSTON–06/14/21) On Thursday, June 10th, the Massachusetts State Senate passed a bill which would extend a slate of measures instituted in Massachusetts during the State of Emergency stemming from COVID-19. If signed into law, this bill would result in the included measures being temporarily extended beyond the State of Emergency’s expiration on June 15, 2021.

“The end of the State of Emergency in Massachusetts is both a testament to how far we’ve come and a reminder of the work that lies ahead as we seek a robust recovery equitable to all residents” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Massachusetts’ recovery will depend on our ability to respond to the lessons of the pandemic, in such areas as housing, healthcare, the restaurant industry and civic and community engagement. Today’s legislation keeps these conversations going and addresses the future of some of the most popular new ideas that have been embraced during the pandemic.”

Many of the extended measures deal with elections and public meetings. Under the bill, mail-in voting would be extended in Massachusetts until December 15, 2021, giving voters flexibility and more opportunity to participate in upcoming fall elections. With municipal approval, early in-person voting could be extended through the same date.

Public bodies subject to the open meeting law would be able to continue holding meetings remotely until April 1, 2022. Similarly, remote town meetings would remain an option for Massachusetts municipalities through December 15, 2021, and quorum requirements for town meetings would be eased. Nonprofits and public corporations would be able to hold meetings remotely until December 15, 2021.

“Extending these emergency measures will allow municipalities, restaurants, businesses, and residents the flexibility they need to adapt as we continue on the path toward our new normal and we get back to a new better,” stated Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her steady leadership and thank you to my colleagues in the Senate for moving quickly to support citizens of the Commonwealth.”

Also included in the bill are measures relative to restaurant operations. The legislation would allow municipalities to approve and extend permits for outdoor dining through April 1, 2022. Restaurants would also be permitted to offer alcoholic beverages, including mixed drinks, for off-site consumption with the purchase of food until March 1, 2022.

The bill also extends certain protections afforded to tenants during the pandemic. Among these is the requirement that a ‘notice to quit,’ including information on tenants’ rights as well as methods for seeking legal and financial assistance, be served to tenants prior to an eviction. Such notices will continue to be required until at least January 1, 2023. Furthermore, the legislation would also extend hardship protections to persons facing eviction by continuing the court practice of offering temporary continuances to tenants who have filed applications for rental assistance, thereby preventing unnecessary evictions in cases where tenants are unable to pay rent due to COVID-19-related financial hardship. This statutory requirement would have expired on June 15, 2021 and instead will be extended until April 1, 2022.

“I’ve heard from so many constituents, business owners, and local officials throughout my district about how these regulations have helped them adapt throughout the pandemic,” stated Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield). “A lot of these policies have been extremely useful for our communities and will continue to be helpful as we transition away from the pandemic.”

“We learned a lot during the COVID experience, and we may be able to use some of those lessons going forward. This legislation gives us the time to sort out which changes we should make permanent,” stated President Pro Tempore Senator William Brownsberger (D-Belmont).

In an amendment proposed by Senator Jehlen and adopted during debate, a lack of access to childcare will not prohibit someone from collecting unemployment benefits from continuing to access those benefits.  This practice, initiated during the pandemic and otherwise set to expire on June 15, 2021 will continue until federal unemployment protections expire in September.  

Finally, the Senate extended several measures to ensure that sufficient workforce and access to necessary healthcare services remain to address the needs of the Commonwealth during the continuing public health emergency. In a move which fulfills the Senate’s stated commitment to supporting telehealth’s inclusion as a healthcare option for Massachusetts residents, a requirement that certain in-network telehealth services be reimbursed at the same rate as equivalent in-person services would be extended until at least December 15, 2021.

The bill now goes to the House of Representatives.

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Hello Everyone, 

I hope that you all have been able to stay cool this past week with the warm weather. Earlier this week I was at Army Reserve Drill training, so many of my meetings this week were held virtually.  

Some of you may remember I was recently named a 2021 Opioid Policy Fellow by the National Council of State Legislators. In continuation of this work this week, I attended several meetings centered around addiction and opioid use. I spent time with Mike Tourville, Author of “Voices from the Fallen: True Stories of Addiction, Grief, Recovery, and Courage,” to discuss opioid addiction issues in our area. On Wednesday, I conversed with Dr. Alex Whalley, Director of Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit at Boston Medical Center to discuss new initiatives in the field. We must continue to explore and expand the ways we are helping those in our communities who struggle with substance use.  

On Tuesday of this week, I met with the Office of The Child Advocate to continue discussing DCF and  the tragic death of David Almond, a fall river teenager who passed away this fall. As the Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Person with Disabilities, I will continue to be involved in these issues moving forward. The meeting was centered around reforms that can be made to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. 

This week I also met with the Hilltown Community Health Center to go over their legislative priorities and learn how I can help better advocate for them on Beacon Hill. It is important to me to ensure that our Hilltown communities have all the support they need to keep their residents safe and healthy. 

On Thursday the Senate took up legislation to extend some of the COVID-19 policies we’ve had in place the past year that were set to expire on June 15^th when the state of emergency is lifted. Among other things, the bill extends outdoor dining and outdoor alcohol service to 2022, continues cost protections for patients dealing with COVID related care, and allows for remote participation for public meetings and municipal governance into 2022 as well. A lot of these policies have been extremely useful for our communities and will continue to be helpful as we transition away from the pandemic.  

I also want to shoutout the Stanley Park Wheel Walk that took place this Saturday in Westfield to raise money for accessible picnic tables in the park! Every year this walk highlights the need to continue work to ensure that all activities in the park are accessible to everyone and that we all can enjoy getting some time outdoors.  

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 

Hello Everyone,

I hope you all had a restful Memorial Day weekend, perhaps getting a chance to spend time with loved ones. In honor of the holiday, I was privileged to attend Memorial Day events in Agawam, Westfield, and Russell on Monday.

I am also wishing everyone a happy Pride Month as we enter June, remembering that our very own Massachusetts was the first state to legalize same sex marriage back in 2004. This past Tuesday I had the opportunity to speak at Westfield’s Pride Progress Flag raising ceremony at City Hall, which was organized by the Westfield Pride Alliance. The momentous occasion featured the raising of the flag by former Associate Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Justice John M. Greaney. This was fitting, as Justice Greaney was not only instrumental in legalizing gay marriage in Massachusetts through his written concurring opinion in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health but is also originally from Westfield. We can be proud to have a man of such influence hailing from our community.

On Wednesday of this week, I was thankful for the chance to speak at the Hampden County Addiction Task Force meeting alongside many other recovery advocates. As I shared at the Task Force meeting, this issue of combatting addiction and aiding recovery is one extremely close to my heart. As Vice Chairman of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Recovery, I am committed to fighting the stigma surrounding the disease of addiction. Due to a lack of human connection, the pandemic exacerbated the challenges of many people struggling with addiction, and it is important to me to serve as a resource and asset to those battling this disease. The voice of the community, and those with firsthand experiences with these struggles, is instrumental in effecting positive change.

I was able to spend some time with youth in our community this week as well, speaking to an eighth-grade class at the St. Joan of Arc School in Chicopee on Tuesday and second graders at Paper Hill Elementary School in Westfield on Thursday. We discussed civics and military duty, two especially prevalent topics to the Memorial Day season.

In a similar congratulatory vein, I want to acknowledge the many seniors during this graduation season, with Westfield and Agawam graduations being held this week. The past year of virtual work and learning have been difficult for many of us, and I commend you for persevering to obtain your diplomas.

Our office continues to work from home, and I was pleased to welcome a virtual intern, Baylee Cox, to our team this week. A Massachusetts native, Cox is a rising junior at Princeton majoring in the School of Public and International Affairs who will be working with us for the next two months. We have hopes of our office returning to more in-person work later in the summer as the number of vaccinated individuals continues to rise. If you have not already, I encourage you once again to get vaccinated against COVID-19 for both your personal well-being as well as that of our community. You can go to vaxfinder.mass.gov to find vaccine locations.

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

(BOSTON – 5/28/2021) The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday unanimously passed a $47.7 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22), after adding $63.7 million in targeted investments over the course of three days of robust deliberations. Approved with unanimous bipartisan support, the budget maintains fiscal responsibility and recommends targeted investments to address emerging needs, safeguard the health and wellness of the most vulnerable populations and ensure residents will benefit equitably as the state recovers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is an extraordinarily hopeful budget, designed to get us ‘back to better,’ stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “The Massachusetts Senate vowed to act on what we learned from the COVID-19 public health crisis and invest in areas that lift up our children, families, and seniors across all communities — and that is exactly what this budget does. I am particularly proud of the bipartisan investments made in the areas of public health, housing, veterans’ care, our friends and neighbors with disabilities, and especially mental and behavioral health. As I said when this process began, this proposal takes on the important but invisible work of stitching the fabric of our Commonwealth back together after a challenging year.”

“Over these last three days, the Senate again demonstrated its willingness to advocate for those in need and doubled down on our efforts to build an equitable recovery, ensuring we get our Commonwealth back to better,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Under the continued leadership of Senate President Spilka, the Senate has charted a hopeful path forward this week and passed a fiscally responsible Fiscal Year 2022 budget that makes investments to expand educational opportunity, safeguard the health and wellness of our most vulnerable, support our children and families and meet the needs of our post-pandemic economy. Thank you to my colleagues in the Senate, whose advocacy and dedication helped to further shape the overall direction of this budget and ensure our residents will benefit equitably as we work to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Senate’s budget confronts the frontline health care impacts of the pandemic to navigate the challenges posed by COVID-19. It also sustains support for the state’s safety net by funding MassHealth at a total of $18.98 billion, thereby providing over 2 million of the Commonwealth’s children, seniors, and low-income residents access to comprehensive health care coverage. Understanding that the pandemic has strained the health care safety net, the Senate’s budget also invests over $1 billion to support vital mental and behavioral health initiatives while ensuring children and families continue to receive supports across the continuum of services provided.

As a cornerstone of the Commonwealth’s equitable recovery, the Senate’s budget protects access to educational opportunity and charts a path forward for students, families, educators, and institutions. The budget maintains the Senate’s commitment to implementing the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) by FY 2027. The Senate proposal fully funds the first year of the SOA consistent with the $5.503 billion local aid agreement reached in March with the House Committee on Ways and Means, amounting to an increase of $220 million over FY21.

Despite the uncertainty created by the pandemic, this increased level of investment represents a 1/6th implementation of SOA rates and ensures that school districts across the Commonwealth have adequate and equitable resources to provide high quality educational opportunities for all students. The Senate’s budget also includes $387.9 million for the Special Education (SPED) Circuit Breaker, reimbursing school districts for the cost of educating students with disabilities at the statutorily required 75 per cent reimbursement rate. In addition, recognizing that school districts across the state have experienced fluctuations in student enrollment related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Senate’s budget creates a $40 million reserve consistent with the March local aid agreement to provide additional aid to districts experiencing increases in student enrollment compared to October 2020.

The Senate’s FY 2022 budget employs a sensible approach to maintain long-term fiscal health by including up to $1.55 billion from the Stabilization Fund. It draws $50M less from reserves than the budget proposed by the Administration, ensuring that the Commonwealth maintains healthy reserves for years beyond the pandemic. Additionally, the Senate’s budget relies on $575 million from enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (eFMAP) reimbursements and $15 million in FEMA reimbursements to take advantage of changes at the federal level to maximize revenue opportunities. It also excludes the use of federal American Rescue Plan funds: the Senate will work collaboratively in the coming months to develop a responsive and thoughtful plan to support the needs of the Commonwealth.

During this week’s debate, the Senate adopted two amendments that highlight its targeted focus on finding opportunities to enhance revenue and be prudent stewards of taxpayer dollars. When Massachusetts first regulated ride-share companies such as Uber and Lyft, the legislation included a novel $0.20 fee per ride to mitigate the impacts on congestion. Since that time, jurisdictions across the country have adopted fee structures to more appropriately capture the impact that ride share companies have on the roadways, and better incentivize consumer behavior. To that end, the Senate budget increases the current $0.20 fee to $1.20 for solo rides and adds an additional $0.20 fee to rides that begin in end in the MBTA core, among other changes. All increased revenue from the rides will go back to the transportation system to invest in public transit and other mobility improvements.

The Senate also adopted a budget amendment to implement several recommendations of the newly created Tax Expenditure Review Commission. The commission thoroughly reviewed spending through the tax expenditure budget and highlighted several expenditures that no longer serve their desired purpose. The Senate heeded the advice of the commission and eliminated several such expenditures, slated to save taxpayers several million dollars beginning in tax year 2022.

Additional education investments include:

• $5.503 billion for Chapter 70 education funding
• $387.9 million for the Special Education Circuit Breaker
• $149.1 million to reimburse public school districts for costs incurred when students leave to attend charter schools
• $78.6 million to reimburse school districts for regional school transportation costs, after adding $1 million during debate
• $571.2 million for the University of Massachusetts, $321.7 million for the fifteen community colleges, and $298.1 million for the nine state universities
• $40 million reserve to provide additional aid to districts experiencing increases in student enrollment compared to October 2020
• $27.9 million for METCO grants to cities, towns and regional school districts, after adding $1.3 million during debate
• $15 million for grants to the Head Start program to maintain access to early education services for low-income families
• $10 million for the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative to expand access to pre-kindergarten and preschool opportunities in underserved areas
• $9 million for a reserve to cover parent fees for families receiving subsidized childcare through the end of calendar year 2021
• $6 million for Dual Enrollment and $5 million for Early College Programs, more than doubling our commitment to these programs that provide high school students with better opportunities for post-graduate success
• $5 million for Social Emotional Learning Grants to help K-12 schools bolster social emotional learning supports for students, and $1 million for a new pilot program to provide mental health screenings for K-12 students
• $4 million for rural school assistance, after adding $1 million during debate
• $2 million for grants offered through the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative to support high school students with intellectual disabilities ages 18–22 with access to higher education opportunities
• $600,000, added during debate, for innovation pathway programs to create partnerships with employers to provide students with experience in specific high-demand industries, such as information technology, engineering, healthcare, life sciences and advanced manufacturing

Additional health investments include:

• $507.5 million for Adult Support Services, including assisted outpatient programming and comprehensive care coordination among health care providers
• $175.3 million for a complete range of substance use disorder treatment and intervention services
• $97.1 million for children’s mental health services
• $50.3 million for domestic violence prevention services
• $39 million for early intervention services, to ensure supports are accessible and available to infants and young toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities, including funds to support health equity initiatives, after adding $1 million during debate
• $23 million for Family Resource Centers to improve and expand access to resources and programming for families
• $13 million for grants to support local boards of health, including funds to build upon the State Action for Public Health Excellence (SAPHE) Program, after adding $3 million during debate
• $12.3M for the Shannon Grants gang violence prevention and intervention program, after adding $1 million during debate
• $10.5M for the Safe and Successful Youth Initiative (SSYI), after adding $500,000 during debate
• $10 million to recapitalize the Behavioral Health, Access, Outreach and Support Trust Fund to support targeted behavioral health initiatives, including $5 million for loan forgiveness for mental health clinicians, $3 million of which is for child and adolescent psychiatrists, $1 million for public awareness campaigns, $3.5 million for student access to telebehavioral health services in schools, and $500,000 to enhance the mental health workforce pipeline
• $10 million for new grants to create Programs of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) in each of the six executive office of health and human services regions of the Commonwealth to provide intensive community-based wraparound services to children and adolescents with serious mental and behavioral health needs
• $5.6 million for smoking prevention and cessation programs, after adding $1 million during debate
• $3.9 million for the Office of the Child Advocate, including $1 million for the establishment and operation of a state center on child wellness and trauma
• $2.5 million for Children Advocacy Centers to improve the critical supports available to children that have been neglected or sexually abused
• $2 million for veterans’ mental and behavioral health supports through Mass General’s Home Base Program.
• $600K for the women veterans’ outreach program, after adding $500K on the floor to expand the program

Added $500,000, during debate, for a contraceptive access public awareness campaign to promote awareness of a 2017 law which gives an individual access to 12-month prescription of co-pay free birth control. In addition to these health care investments and in response to oversight hearings held by the Joint Committee on COVID-19 and Emergency Preparedness, the Senate adopted an amendment requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the office of health equity and the department of public health, to establish a set of quantitative goals and benchmarks to define and achieve equitable vaccine administration in communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

As the Senate works to emerge from the pandemic stronger and more resilient, it remains committed to an equitable recovery, expanding opportunity, and building a more inclusive Commonwealth. To that end, the Senate’s budget takes a number of critical steps to support workers and lift up working families with economic opportunities.

Opportunity investments include:

• $50 million for adult basic education services to improve access to skills necessary to join the workforce
• $30 million for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program
• $23 million for summer jobs and work-readiness training for at-risk youth
• $18 million in Healthy Incentives Programs to ensure vulnerable households have continued access to food options during the pandemic
• $15 million for a Community Empowerment and Reinvestment grant program to provide economic supports to communities disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system
• $10 million for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to connect unemployed and under-employed workers with higher paying jobs
• $8.5 million for Career Technical Institutes to increase our skilled worker population and provide residents access to career technical training opportunities.
• $6 million for Regional Economic Development Organizations to support economic growth in every region
• $5 million for Community Foundations to provide emergency economic relief to historically underserved populations
• $4 million for the Secure Jobs Connect program, providing job placement resources and assistance for homeless individuals
• $2.5 million for the Massachusetts Cybersecurity Innovation Fund, including $1.5 million for new regional security operation centers which will partner with community colleges and state universities to provide cybersecurity workforce training to students and cybersecurity services to municipalities, non-profits, and small businesses
• $2 million for the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership
• $1.5 million for nonprofit security grant program, after adding $500,000 during debate
• $1 million for employment programs for young adults with disabilities

In addition to investments that support an equitable recovery and opportunity for all, the Senate’s budget addresses the increasing costs of caregiving for low-income families by converting existing tax deductions for children under 12, dependent adults and business-related dependent care expenses into refundable tax credits. Coupled with the expanded Child Tax Credit and the Child and Dependent Care tax credits under the federal American

Rescue Plan Act, the Senate’s child tax credit will help to lift 85,000 families out of poverty and support low-income working parents.

Additionally, the Senate’s budget builds on the success of last year’s efforts to tackle ‘deep poverty’ with a 20 per cent increase to Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) benefits over December 2020 levels, ensuring families receive the economic supports they need to live, work and provide stability for their children.

Over a year into the pandemic, the role that access to affordable housing has played in our economic recovery is clear. Recognizing this, the Senate’s budget invests $572 million in housing and homelessness services. In addition to the more than $800 million in federal resources made available to support housing stability efforts, the Senate’s investment will help to keep families in their homes and support tenants and property owners during this uniquely challenging time.

Housing investments include:

• $195.9 million for Emergency Assistance Family Shelters, including funds to create an independent ombudsman’s office to act as a mediator and advocate for households applying to or residing in family shelters
• $150 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), including $20 million in unspent funds carried forward from FY 2021, and recommended changes to the program to cap the share of a household’s income paid towards rent at 30 per cent
• $85 million for assistance to local housing authorities
• $16.3 million for Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT), in addition to $350 million in federal emergency rental assistance, and including changes to the RAFT program, adopted through the amendment process, to extend the maximum amount of rental assistance of $10,000 until December 31, 2021, and then maintain the maximum amount of rental assistance at $7,000 through the end of FY 2022, which support households in need during this recovery and helps us avoid sudden changes in benefit levels
• $56.4 million for assistance for homeless individuals
• $14.2 million for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) providing rental assistance to people with disabilities, including $5.5 million in unspent funds carried forward from FY 2021, and $2.5 million for grants to improve or create accessible affordable housing units
• $8 million for the Housing Consumer Education Centers (HCECs).
• $8 million for assistance for unaccompanied homeless youth
• $3.9 million for the Home and Healthy for Good re-housing and supportive services program, including $250,000 for homeless LGBTQQ youth

The Senate’s budget reflects the Senate’s unwavering support for cities and towns and provides a significant amount of local and regional aid to ensure communities can continue to provide essential services to the public while addressing local impacts caused by the pandemic. This includes $1.168 billion in funding for Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA), consistent with the March local aid agreement, to support local level investments and provide predictability for municipalities. In addition to traditional sources of local aid, the Committee’s budget increases payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for state-owned land to $35 million. PILOT funding is a vital source of supplemental local aid for cities and towns working to protect and improve access to essential services and programs during recovery from the pandemic.

Local investments include:

• $94 million for Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) to support regional public transportation system as a public good necessary to helping commuters, students, seniors and people with disabilities and supporting economic mobility
• $36 million for libraries, including $13.5 million for regional library local aid, $13 million for municipal libraries
• $20 million for the Massachusetts Cultural Council to support local arts, culture and creative economy initiatives
• $2 million in additional grants for local tourism around the state

Differences between the Senate budget and the version passed by the Massachusetts House of Representatives last month are expected to be reconciled through a Conference Committee.

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Happy Memorial Day weekend folks,   

As many of you go to the beach or camping, I hope you take a moment to not only reflect on the sacrifices of those in the armed forces but also to celebrate the free and prosperous country that they helped build.  Remember to be safe this weekend as well.   

After a full week of deliberations, I’m very happy to announce that the State Senate has finalized its version of the FY22 state budget.  Among the amendments that I put forward and passed was adding $500K to the Women’s Veterans Program in the Department of Veteran Services to expand outreach and commission a year long study on the services available to women Veterans in our Commonwealth.  As a Veteran myself and as we approach Memorial day, the passing of this amendment was a particular point of pride.  Women have played a crucial role in the military since the Second World War.  They are also the fasting growing demographic of Veterans but also one of the most underserved.  

Another amendment that I sponsored  that passed was one funding Recovery Works, an organization that assists those in recovery with substance abuse issues to find and maintain work.  They also work alongside firms and recruiting agencies to reduce the stigma around hiring those with past substance abuse issues.  One of the biggest obstacles to remaining free from substance abuse is employment.  So often, those who put in the work of getting sober are unable to find gainful employment due to the stigma. This makes it that much more difficult to remain free from these issues.  The goal of this organization is to help individuals across our state who have fought that hard battle of recovery and to set them up for long term success.  

I was able to add funding directly to our local communities through other amendments I sponsored.  Right here in Westfield, $59,800 has gone to de-escalation training programs at the Westfield Police Department and $15,2000 will go to Westfield American Legion Post 124.  Another $50,000 has been allocated to the Enchanted Circle theater in Holyoke- expanding access to theater programs for kids from all around the Pioneer Valley.  $100,000 has gone to a pilot program for child-care at Holyoke Community College to reduce barriers to accessing  education for parents.  $50,000 has been allocated to Girls Inc, a group that works throughout Western Mass to empower and grow young women through academic and athletic programs.   $25,000 will go to the Town of Southwick for economic development.  $50,000 has been allocated directly to the Agawam Senior Center.  Another $25,000 will go to the Easthampton Community Center.  Last, but certainly not least, especially this weekend, $50,000 will go to renovations and repairs to the to Holyoke War memorial.   

It’s an honor to serve as your State Senator and while we’ve accomplished much during this budget process, I’m still looking ahead to all that we’re going to do for this district.  The Senate budget will now go into a conference committee to be reconciled with the House version before being sent to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.   

While the week was packed with budget session, I was still able to meet with representatives from the Massachusetts Nurses Association to discuss how the Legislature can best aid nurses.  Our nurses have always been a crucial part of our healthcare system but never has their necessity been made clearer than during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.  I look forward to continuing my work with the MNA.  

As of May 29th, the Governor’s executive orders pertinent to COVID-19 are officially rescinded.  It’s been a long year and half.  The pandemic is not over yet but every day we are getting closer.  I want to remind everyone that the general population is now eligible for the COVID-19 Vaccine and that every vaccinated resident makes us all safer. Many vaccination sites, including the Eastfield Mall and CVS Pharmacy locations, are now offering walk-ins. Head to vaxfinder.mass.gov/ to find locations and appointments near you. 

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 

(BOSTON – 5/19/2021) On Monday, May 17^th, the Legislature’s Aviation Caucus held its first meeting during the 192^nd legislative session. Representatives, Senators and members of the airport industry virtually gathered to discuss legislation and initiatives impacting aviation in Massachusetts. During the meeting Representative Natalie M. Blais (D-Sunderland) and Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield) were elected as co-chairs of the Caucus by their fellow colleagues.  

“One of my goals as Chair of the Aviation Caucus is to ensure that my colleagues in the legislature are as informed as possible about the aviation industry and how it impacts our Commonwealth,” said Senator Velis. “Prior to representing Westfield and Barnes Regional Airport, I didn’t know much about aviation myself. But this sector has a huge impact on our communities and our economy, and it’s so important that we are recognizing that and working alongside them on the issues they face.” 

The Massachusetts Legislative Aviation Caucus was the first pro-aviation legislative caucus established in the country. According to members, they work to promote and support airports, aviation, and the high tech jobs in the aviation field throughout the Commonwealth.  

All Legislators are welcomed to join the caucus, especially those with an interest in aviation or who represent airports, aviation-related businesses and industries, and their employees. Many elected officials were present during Monday’s meeting, including Western Massachusetts State Representatives Dan Carey (D-Easthampton) and Kelly Pease (R-Westfield). They were joined by representatives of the Massachusetts Airport Management Association, airport officials from across the state, and other aviation industry members. Several pieces of legislation related to airports and aviation-related business were discussed during the meeting.  

“I look forward to working with my colleagues to identify ways the Legislature can support this vital transportation sector in the Commonwealth,” said Representative Blais. “Looking longer term, I am excited about the future of aviation and the policies we will need to consider as a Commonwealth to ensure the safe integration of technology including but not limited to unmanned aircraft systems.” 

Both Representative Blais and Senator Velis stated that they anticipate the Caucus to meet monthly. They hope to also begin site trips to airports and airfields across the state sometime this summer. 

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(BOSTON – 5/20/2021) On Thursday, May 20^th, the Massachusetts State Senate unanimously voted to enact the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Conference Committee Bill. The compromise bill had been released Friday, May 12^th, by the House-Senate Conference Committee. Senator John C. Velis, who represents the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home and has led the charge for a new facility, spoke during the Senate’s debate of what this project means to his community.  

“This has truly been a long and emotional process and one that started well before this legislation was first filed. From the very start, families and Veterans gave me a very clear message: Get this done,” said Senator Velis. “It is these families, these Veterans, these advocates, and these experiences that have motivated us throughout this long and enduring process.  We could not let them down and I am proud to say that we have not let them down.” 

The final bill includes the $400 million needed for the reconstruction of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home and $200 million for the expansion of Veterans housing services across the Commonwealth. It had previously been enacted by the House of Representatives on Tuesday, May 18^th. 

“The funding authorized in this bill will ensure that the future residents of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home and Veterans across our Commonwealth receive the care with honor and dignity that they have earned in service to our nation,” said Senator Velis, who is also Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. “Todays vote brings us one step closer towards fulfilling that mission, and I want to thank all the Veterans and advocates throughout the Commonwealth who have worked so hard for this project.” 

The State is currently working towards an August 1^st VA Veterans State Home Construction Grant Program deadline. DCAMM, the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, cannot begin the design process for the project until the Bond Bill is signed into law. If the August 1^st deadline is met, the state would be eligible to receive 65% federal reimbursement for the $400 million Holyoke Soldiers’ Home reconstruction project. 

Now that the bill has been enacted by both chambers, it will go to the Governor’s desk for his consideration.  

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(BOSTON 5/27/2021) On Thursday, May 27^th, the Massachusetts State Senate finalized their budget for Fiscal Year 2022. Over 900 amendments were considered over the three day debate including over 30 that were filed by Senator John C. Velis.  

Senator Velis secured the following 10 amendments that will provide funding for municipalities and organizations throughout the Second Hampden and Hampshire District: 

• Amendment 173: Allocates $100,000 to Holyoke Community College to implement a 1 year child-care pilot program to reduce barriers for parents attaining education 
• Amendment 177: Allocates $50,000 to the Enchanted Circle Theater in Holyoke for education resources and programming 
• Amendment 603: Allocates $59,800 to the Westfield Police Department for an Apex Police Training Simulator that focuses on de-escalation techniques 
• Amendment 687: Allocates $50,000 to Girls Inc. of the Pioneer Valley for programming 
• Amendment 864: Allocates $75,000 to Baystate Noble Hospital for a community grant program to prevent and treat addiction to opioid and related substances 
• Amendment 865: Allocates $25,000 to the Town of Southwick for Economic Development and to encourage local downtown shopping 
• Amendment 868: Allocates $50,000 to the Agawam Council on Aging for the Agawam Senior Center 
• Amendment 872: Allocates $25,000 to the Easthampton Community Center  
• Amendment 874: Allocates $15,200 to the American Legion Post 124 in the City of Westfield for repairs and renovations 
• Amendment 922: Allocates $50,000 to the City of Holyoke for repairs and renovations at the Holyoke War Memorial

Senator Velis also secured several amendments for organizations and initiatives that will benefit the entire Commonwealth. The following 5 amendments were adopted unanimously: 

• Amendment 34: Allocates $100,000 to the Mass Animal Fund to provide spay and neuter services and vaccinations to animals in need throughout the Commonwealth 
• Amendment 409: Allocates $100,000 for a state-wide pilot program to increase access to Narcan and naoloxone kits for school districts 
• Amendment 478: Allocates $800,000 to RecoveryWorks of Mass General Hospital for their work in providing employment opportunities and supports to individuals throughout the Commonwealth who struggle with substance use disorders. 
• Amendment 490: Includes language to ensure that the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home has an Ombudsman’s office operating for residents and families 
• Amendment 530: Allocates $500,000 to expand the Women Veteran’s Outreach Program in the Department of Veteran Services and to complete a study on the changing needs of Women Veterans in Massachusetts 

“Over the past few months I have been able to meet with organizations throughout my district and across the entire state. On top of the line-item funding that is included in the original budget, it is my job as Senator to file and fight for amendments that will benefit our district and our Commonwealth,” said Senator Velis. “I am proud that my team and I were able to bring this important funding back home and am grateful to my Senate colleagues for supporting my state-wide amendments for Veterans, Animals, and individuals facing substance use disorders.” 

Now that the Senate budget is complete, it will go to a conference committee where differences with the House’s budget will be reconciled. It will then go to the Governor’s desk for his consideration.

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(BOSTON 5/26/21) On Wednesday, May 26th, the Massachusetts State Senate voted to adopt budget amendment #530 sponsored by Senator John C. Velis.  This amendment would provide $500,000 to expand the Women Veterans outreach program at the Department of Veteran Services and to conduct a study on the changing needs of Women Veterans in the Commonwealth.   

“While women have been a crucial part of the US armed forces since the Second World War, it was less than a decade ago that they were finally allowed to serve in combat roles,” said Senator Velis. “By year 2040, it is estimated that Women Veterans will make up nearly 40% of our Veteran population in Massachusetts.  They are the fastest growing demographic of Veterans and we must ensure that our Commonwealth is meeting their needs.” 

The report would study in depth the current housing options for women veterans, the quality and availability of physical, mental, and reproductive healthcare, the availability of care for military related sexual trauma, and how to improve women Veterans outreach initiatives.  The study would be due no later than January 1^st, 2022 to the State Senate.   

Senator Velis, the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, is a US Army Veteran himself and is still currently a major in the Army Reserves.   

“I’ve had the honor of training and serving alongside many women in the military.  It’s no secret that they face an entirely different set of challenges than their male counterparts,” stated Senator Velis. “Many of the services that our state provides for Veterans were not implemented with Women Veterans in mind. Women veterans have different medical needs, housing needs, and regrettably often need sexual trauma care.  This study is the first step to making sure they get what they need and that no women Veterans fall between the cracks.” 

The current Women Veterans outreach program in the Department of Veteran services is only a single-person position that is funded at $116,243 in the Senates original budget. Senator Velis noted that this low funding limits the programs ability to reach out and connect with women Veterans about benefits and resources available to them from the state.  

“I’m proud to say that the armed forces have, as a general trend, have moved to equality between the genders.  I want to make sure that this trend extends to Veterans who return to private non-military life.” said Senator Velis.   

The amendment to the budget was adopted unanimously by the Senate. Now that the Senate budget is complete, it will go to a conference committee where differences with the House’s budget will be reconciled. It will then go to the Governor’s desk for his consideration.   

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(BOSTON 5/26/2021) On Wednesday, May 26^th, the Massachusetts State Senate unanimously adopted two amendments sponsored by Senator John C. Velis during its Fiscal Year 2022 Budget debate. Amendment #478 provides $800,000 to RecoveryWorks, an affiliate of Massachusetts General Hospital that provides employment opportunities and supports to individuals throughout the Commonwealth who struggle with substance use disorders. Amendment #409 allocates $100,000 for the creation of a state-wide pilot program to increase access to Narcan and naloxone kits for school districts.  

“Re-entering the workforce is such an important step for individuals in recovery. It is a chance for them to grow and regain self-confidence, develop tangible skills, and make connections that will lead them further down their career paths. Most importantly though, employment provides individuals in recovery with a stability that is difficult to find elsewhere,” stated Senator Velis, who is Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery. “Unfortunately there still exists a deep stigma around substance use disorders, especially when it comes to employing someone who is in recovery. That is why the work of RecoveryWorks is so important and why the funding in this amendment is so critical.” 

RecoveryWorks provides participants with career advice and job search coaching; continued clinical support during the job search and initial employment; ongoing on-the-job mentorship;  and assistance with legal and healthcare issues. While in the program participants must also agree to pursue addiction treatment as well. They also serve as liaisons to employers for up to five years in order to facilitate and ensure the participants are securing an effective long-term job. 

The Senate also voted unanimously to adopt amendment #409, which provides $100,000 for a state-wide pilot program to increase access to Narcan and naloxone kits for school districts. 

“Western Massachusetts, and our Commonwealth as a whole, has seen far too many lives lost due to opioid overdoses, and we continue to fight this epidemic every single day. Increasingly concerning is the growing rate of opioid use in high school students, ” said Senator Velis. “The reality is our Commonwealth will continue to see this issue grow in this age group and opioid overdose-related deaths can be prevented when naloxone is administered in a timely manner. We can and must increase access to these life-saving medications in our communities, because in those terrifying minutes, every second is so critical.” 

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