Author: john_velis

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Massachusetts Senate Advances Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Bond Bill

(Boston–04/29/2021) On Thursday, April 29, 2021, the Massachusetts State Senate passed a bill authorizing $400 million in bonds for the design and construction of a new facility for the soldiers’ home in Holyoke. It also authorizes the issuance of $200 million in general obligation bonds to increase geographic equity and accessibility related to the continuum of long-term care services for Massachusetts veterans across the state, with an emphasis on those areas not primarily served by the soldiers’ homes in Chelsea or Holyoke.

“Massachusetts has always been a leader for veteran services, and this bill reflects the Senate’s deep commitment to those who have served our nation,” stated Senator John Velis (D-Westfield), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. “While our veteran population and their medical needs are changing, the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home’s mission remains the same: to provide care with honor and dignity. This bond bill will ensure that the next generation of residents at the Home receive the care with honor and dignity that they have earned in service to our country.”

“The funding in this bill will ensure that we begin to rethink how we deliver care to veterans of every generation across Massachusetts,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Ensuring that our veterans are connected to their communities is an important factor in ensuring that their physical and mental health is taken care of, and so I am proud of the steps we have taken to ensure geographic equity and accessibility, especially for our women and LGBTQ veterans, as well as veterans of color. Our quick action in passing this legislation will help ensure we maximize federal funds in this important endeavor.”

In passing the $400 million bond authorization for a new soldiers’ home in Holyoke, Massachusetts is eligible to receive up to 65 per cent in federal reimbursement through the Veterans Affairs State Home Construction Grant Program. The existing soldiers’ home in Holyoke was built in 1952 with many triple and quadruple-bed rooms. The bill passed by the Senate will advance the construction of a modern facility with a “small house” concept to meet the needs of future generations of veterans.

“To meet the needs of the ever changing veteran population, the bill adopted today is a reflection of the strong advocacy of the members of this Senate to begin providing the long-term care services desperately needed for all veterans across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways & Means. “I want to thank Senate President Spilka for her leadership along with Senators Rush, Velis, Feeney and others for their contributions to improve the bill to address regional equity and increase accessibility to services for our veterans who are not served by the soldiers’ homes in Chelsea or Holyoke.”

The Senate adopted an amendment on the floor to ensure that construction of the project utilizes a diverse workforce and provides for well-paying, middle class jobs. The amendment inserts Project Labor Agreement language that mandates a pre-bid, pre-hire labor agreement for the construction of the new facility in Holyoke, which will ensure that the workforce is local, diverse, inclusive, well-trained, safe and skilled.

Historically, such agreements on large taxpayer funded projects result in the completion of construction on-time and on or under budget. Additionally, this amendment mandates bold action to establish, recruit, and assist women, minority, and veteran owned businesses who may participate in the design and construction of the facility. The bill establishes the Access, Inclusion, and Diversity Committee to help set and monitor progress of diversity and inclusion goals and recommend solutions and programs to meet them, throughout the design and construction of the facility.

“The new Holyoke Soldier’s Home should be a safe, comfortable and welcoming facility worthy of its residents and their service to this country,” stated Senator Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough), the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. “Our veterans deserve the very best in care and treatment. The passage of this bond authorization will ensure that their needs are met for generations to come. I am proud that the Senate added additional language during our debate that strengthens the bill to reflect our Commonwealth’s collective values. It is critical that significant taxpayer funded projects of this scope be completed on-time and on-budget with a diverse, local, safe, well-trained and highly skilled workforce. Additionally, we should be working diligently to assist women, minority, and veteran owned businesses in creating jobs and opportunities now and in the future. The bill we passed today accomplishes these goals by authorizing funding for a modern facility for our Commonwealth’s veterans while expanding opportunities for many local working-class people in the construction trades.”

As part of the Senate’s commitment to increase geographic equity and accessibility for all veterans, the bill requires the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), in consultation with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and the Department of Veterans

Affairs (DVA), to hold hearings across the state to better understand the regional long-term care needs of veterans throughout the Commonwealth. Based on these hearings, communities will be better positioned to advocate for the $200 million authorized in new capital spending for long-term care services for veterans across the continuum of care, including potentially new “small home” satellite veterans’ homes, or new or expanded capital supports for community or home-based care.

One of many amendments adopted on the floor also requires the Department of Veteran’s Services to consider the needs of veterans in designing facilities to ensure new facilities meet the needs of a changing veteran population, while another requires plans for new long-term care facilities to prioritize equitable access, regardless of race, religion, sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

The bill must now be reconciled with the version recently passed by the House of Representatives.

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Velis Small Business Bills Referred to Committee

(BOSTON 4/26/2021) Today State Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield) announced that two bills he filed related to small businesses and economic relief have been referred to legislative committees. Senator Velis stated that these bills came about through conversations with small business owners and the Retailers Association of Massachusetts. 

S.247, An Act to promote economic recovery for restaurants and bars was referred to the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants and bars that are licensed to sell beer and wine on premise have also been able to sell these beverages as take-out. Many establishments have benefitted from this flexibility, which has allowed them to bring in additional income with take-out. This bill would make this ability permanent past the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

S.2005, An Act to establish a vendor’s collection allowance was referred to the Joint Committee on Revenue. The bill would create a vendor’s collection allowance in the Commonwealth, capped at $750 per vendor, to compensate for the costs associated with sales tax. This would include all vendors collecting sales tax, including restaurants. The bill would not diminish the amount of taxes going to municipalities through the local options meals tax. 

24 of the 45 sales tax states have vendor collection allowances, typically an amount equal to about 2% of the sales tax collected up to an annual dollar cap. Whether small business owners do the accounting themselves, hire a CPA to handle the monthly burden, or subscribe to a software program that eases the red tape, there is clearly a cost, and this legislation will help small businesses cover some of the costs of their monthly service to the Commonwealth. 

“For more than a half a century the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has been in the minority of 45 sales tax states by not compensating small stores and restaurants for their work to collect, account for, and remit to the state billions of annual sales taxes,” said Jon Hurst, President of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts. “This legislation will provide a small amount of compensation to our small businesses to keep their software up to date, and make the monthly remittance to the state.” 

“This pandemic has hurt so many small businesses, restaurants, and bars. The financial impact has been felt all over and it is critical that we are helping the local establishments in our communities who have struggled,” said Senator Velis. “These bills provide businesses with an option to retain additional revenue and properly compensate them for costs associated with the state sales tax. As we continue our economic recovery, we must focus on helping the small businesses we all love.” 

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April 25, 2021 – Weekly Update

Hello Everyone,  

Some personal news to start. I’m happy to announce that after almost a year of engagement, my then fiancée and now wife, Emily, and I were finally married! We were able to celebrate our wedding and her birthday this past weekend and I want to thank everyone who has shared kind messages with us. 

Besides the happy news, I was still able to get out in the district and get some work done this week.  I met with President Royal from Holyoke Community College to discuss legislative priorities and to get an update on how the college is doing in general.  HCC is an asset to our workforce and in turn, community as whole.  I look forward to working with President Royale to find new ways to improve and expand higher education in the district.   

I also had the pleasure of meeting with Girls Inc. later in the week.  This is a very social organization whose goal is to empower young women through athletics and academics to prepare them to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers that women so often face.  I can’t wait to see the leaders and innovators that these young women are going to become.    

This was also the first week that all Massachusetts residents were eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations.  I recently had my first vaccination myself and I encourage all those who are eligible to do so as well.  The shots are safe and free. It’s an important way for us to protect ourselves and our loved ones.  Sign ups can be done online at vaccinesignup.mass.gov/#/ or over the phone at 2-1-1. 

Last week the House of Representatives unanimously passed the Holyoke Soldiers Home bond bill that will finance the reconstruction of a new facility. Next week the Senate will vote on its own version of the bond bill. Ensuring that the $400 million needed for the reconstruction is secured has been my priority since day one and I am proud to announce that the full amount is included in the Senate’s version. 

Recently I’ve started sending out newsletters from my office. You can sign up at senatorjohnvelis.com/newsletter/ to receive the newsletter right in your email inbox.  

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. 

John Velis 

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April 18, 2021 – Weekly Update

Hello Everyone, 

I think I called it early when I said, “Happy Spring” a couple weeks ago and while we had a great and productive week over in the State Senate, this last snow was a crumby end to it.   

As I’m sure many of you are aware, there is currently a bond bill to finance the reconstruction of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home making its way through the legislative process.  I met with Board of Trustees of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home to discuss the specifics of the bill and I’m also proud to report that later in the week, the bill was passed by the House.  It’s next step is to pass through the Senate before finally going to Governor Baker’s Desk.  I have been and will remain a staunch advocate for the Home throughout this entire process.  

Speaking of deserving groups and building reconstruction, I also met with the Massachusetts School Board Authority this week to advocate on behalf of new construction projects in Agawam and Holyoke.  Both school districts deserve new buildings to properly serve their hardworking staff and students.  I hope very much that my letter and testimony to the MSBA will help these projects proceed.   

I was also lucky enough to go on a virtual art tour this week and look through the works of two young artists from the Department of Youth services.  Despite their circumstances, these kids still pursued their passion and made some great art.  I’m very much looking forward to what these kids will do in the future.   

On Thursday I met virtually with an advocacy group of constituents out of Granville to discuss climate legislation.  Climate Resiliency is going to be one of the most pressing issues as we move into the mid-century and I will always do what’s best for the Commonwealth when it comes to legislation of this nature.   

I want to remind everyone that the General Public will  be eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations starting this Monday April 19th.  I encourage all those who are eligible to get the vaccine to do so. It’s an important way for us to protect ourselves and our loved ones.  Sign ups can be done online at https://vaccinesignup.mass.gov/#/ or over the phone at 2-1-1.   

Finally, I’d also like to congratulate the UMass Men’s Hockey team on winning the NCAA Championship last Saturday night.  It was a great game and a huge shutout.  They may not be in our district but we are still proud nonetheless that Western Mass’s very own Minutemen took home UMass’s first Men’s’ NCAA Championship ever.  Go UMass! 

I’ve also started sending out both quarterly newsletters and weekly email updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.  To sign up for my COVID-19 updates, head to senatorjohnvelis.com/covid-19-updates/  and you can sign up at senatorjohnvelis.com/newsletter/ to receive the newsletter right in your email inbox.  

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. 

John Velis 

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April 11, 2021 – Weekly Update

Greetings Everyone, 

I hope you’ve all been enjoying this excellent weather.  I almost can’t believe what a beautiful spring we’ve been having.   

To start the week, the bond bill that would finance the reconstruction of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home was the subject of another hearing by the Joint Committee on Bonding, Expenditures, and State Assets.  The Holyoke Soldiers’ Home is an essential service for Veterans in the Commonwealth, a population amongst which I proudly count myself.  I testified strongly in favor the bill and I would like to stress again how important it is that we pass it quickly so that DCAMM, the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, has as much time as possible to work on the design.     

There was also another hearing this week held by the Special Joint Oversight Committee on the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home COVID-19 outbreak.  This week’s hearing was focused on the structure of healthcare at the Home and what failures of this structure contributed to the tragedy in the spring of 2020.  These testimonies are crucial to knowing how we can rebuild the Home to make sure that an outbreak like the COVID-19 never happens again and that Veterans in the Home receive the world class care they deserve.   

This past Tuesday I had a introductory meeting with officials from the Massachusetts Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force, including Executive Director John Beatty. This executive task force works to promote and strengthen the Commonwealth’s six military installations and their impact on local communities and economies at the federal, state and local level. As Chairman of the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, I will be working closely with the Task Force this session on legislative issues.  

On Friday I joined Representative Pease and Westfield City Officials at a ribbon cutting ceremony for three new businesses in Downtown Westfield! Hilltown Chic, Be Bella Boutique, and Boho Hair studio are three new women-owned businesses now open on School Street, and I was honored to help celebrate their grand opening.  

I’d also like to congratulate the UMass Men’s Hockey team on winning the NCAA Semi finals this past Thursday night.  It was a late one but worth the watch for an overtime after midnight win.  They may not be in my district per se but we are still proud nonetheless that Western Mass’s very own Minutemen will be going for the Championship tonight.  Go UMass! 

I’ve also started sending out both quarterly newsletters and weekly email updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.  To sign up for my COVID-19 updates, head to senatorjohnvelis.com/covid-19-updates/  and you can sign up at senatorjohnvelis.com/newsletter/ to receive the newsletter right in your email inbox.  

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. 

John Velis 

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Velis Files Education Bills in Senate

State Sen. John C. Velis, pictured in 2019 with Paper Mill Elementary School  students Emilee Buoniconti and Eric Dean. (HOPE E. TREMBLAY/THE WESTFIELD NEWS)

(BOSTON 3/29/2021) Today Senator John C. Velis announced a series of education-related bills  that he filed in the Massachusetts State Senate.  The three bills deal with cardiac arrest in student athletes, excused school absences for mental health, and reimbursement for school building projects from the Massachusetts School Building Authority. 

SD1233, An Act relative to sudden cardiac arrest awareness in student athletes, directs the Department of Public Health to develop an interscholastic athletic sudden cardiac distress and death prevention program for schools.  Senator Velis stated that the idea for this legislation came from conversations with Westfield resident, Susan Canning, whose son, Kevin Major, died from an abnormally enlarged heart muscle known as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in July of 2011.  

“Kevin’s story is truly heartbreaking, and Mrs. Canning has been tireless in her work to raise awareness about issues of cardiac arrest in our youth,” said Senator Velis.  “2,000 people under the age of 25 die each year of sudden cardiac arrest, with many of these tragedies occurring during athletic or physical activities.  Often times these young, seemingly healthy, individuals don’t even know they are at risk, and this bill would ensure that our school systems are trained to spot the warning signs before it’s too late.” 

The bill, which is supported by the American Heart Association, requires certain school personnel  to participate in the program, where they would be trained in recognizing the symptoms and warning signs of cardiac distress and sudden cardiac arrest.   Additionally, student athletes would be required to provide information relative to any cardiac medical history at the start of each sports season. 

SD2388, An Act relative to the mental health of children in schools, would allow for school absences to be permitted for behavioral health concerns.  There is currently no state law in Massachusetts mandating that schools allow such absences, but many already do.  

“Mental health is an issue that is simply not talked about enough, especially when it comes to youth in our communities,” said Senator Velis, who is Vice Chair of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.  “School can be an incredibly stressful time for many students.  It is so important that student are taking care of their mental health, and they should be able to take the time to do that without any consequences.” 

SD1743, An Act relative to school districts in receivership and the Massachusetts School Building Authority, would make school districts in receivership eligible for higher reimbursement rates from the state for school building projects.  Currently, school districts cannot receive more than 80% reimbursement of eligible costs from the Massachusetts School Building Authority.  

Senator Velis stated after working with Holyoke Public Schools and City officials on their current middle school project, it became clear that school districts in receivership face unique challenges in completing new building projects.  

“There are currently only three school districts in the state that are in receivership, Holyoke, Lawrence and Southbridge,” said Senator Velis.  “These school districts have already been determined to need more support from the state and I think that should apply to any new school construction projects as well.” 

State Representative Patricia Duffy, who represents Holyoke in the House of Representatives, is a cosponsor of SD1743 as well.  

These bills have yet to be referred to a committee.  

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April 4, 2021 – Weekly Update

Happy April Fools! 

I know it’s a little late for that so you can rest assured that everything in this weekly update is accurate and prank-free.  I wish we had time for pranks over here, but it was another busy week in the Second Hampden and Hampshire Senate District.   

This week I met with Bo Sullivan of the Westfield Boys and Girls’ Club to discuss their proposed expansion and how I can help advocate for a federal grant to fund it.  This project would expand their space by 15,000 square feet and allow hundreds of  kids who have not been allowed in due to COVID restrictions to be welcomed back.  The reduction of programs like this will have effects on kids for years to come and getting the kids back into programs such the Boys and Girls club is the first step for many on the path to true normalcy.   

I also had the pleasure of meeting with the Mass Forest Alliance this week to discuss how forestry and land management can be a way to both fight the effects of climate change and be a regional economic driver.  Massachusetts is the tenth most forested state in the Union, and for those us in the Western part of the Commonwealth, our outdoor recreation and natural beauty are a point of pride. I look forward to working with the Forest Alliance to expand and protect the ways in which we interact with our natural resources.   

Wednesday night I attended a Candle Light Vigil at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home to honor those who were lost during the COVID-19 outbreak over a year ago.  This tragedy will never be  forgotten and I’ve been working very hard with my fellow legislators to investigate this tragedy and pass the pending bond bill so that we can build a new Soldiers’ Home to ensure that something like this can’t happen again.  Our Veterans are the best of us and therefore they deserve the best from us.   

A couple weeks ago, Senate President Spilka nominated me for an Opioid Policy Fellowship through the National Conference of State Legislatures, which officially kicked off this week.  I, along with other state legislators from across the nation, will be meeting with opioid and addiction experts to learn what policies and regulations work best to combat the opioid crisis.  As the Vice-Chairman of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Recovery, this fellowship will be crucial to the way that I and the Legislature tackle the Opioid Crisis.   

This week I joined almost thirty other State Senators on to a letter to the Governor Baker asking him to postpone the MCAS testing requirement until the fall.  With the logistics of holding this test and the complete overhaul in teaching that happened this year, it would be unfair to both students and school districts to have to take these exams and then hold school districts to the same level of financial accountability that we usually use these tests to benchmark.   

I was also able to attend the Montgomery Town Select board meeting this week and I was ecstatic to be able to get out into the district and interact with my constituents face to face.  The select board and city council meetings are where I can learn in person what is going on the communities I represent.  Finding ways for the State to help is the core of my job as a State Senator and is the thing I’m looking forward to most as we move out the pandemic.   

I’ve also started sending out both quarterly newsletters and weekly email updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.  To sign up for my COVID-19 updates, head to senatorjohnvelis.com/covid-19-updates/  In a few weeks, the second issue of Quarterly newsletter will be going out as well, and you can sign up at senatorjohnvelis.com/quarterly-newsletter/ to receive the newsletter right in your email inbox.  

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. 

John Velis 

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March 28, 2021 – Weekly Update

Hello Everyone, 

It’s the end of another long week here in the State Senate.  I’m happy to announce all the new eligibilities for the vaccine rollout.  Starting this week, anyone 60 years and older is now eligible, as well as workers in many sectors of the economy.  I encourage everyone to review these categories on mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine. 

I’m also thrilled to announce that the Commonwealth has launched a plan for at-home vaccinations for those who are eligible and homebound.  This particular population has struggled so much during this pandemic and we finally have the infrastructure in place to aid them. Available in Spanish, English, and almost 100 other languages, the at-home vaccination booking line can be reached at 1-800-983-0485, Mondays through Fridays 9am to 5pm.      

Finally, Westfield now has its own vaccination site in the CVS on East Main Street.  This a particular point of pride to have finally gotten a site in Westfield, as I’ve been advocating for one since the beginning of the vaccine rollout.  I know that many of you have reached out to my office and your voices have not gone unheard.  Although appointments may be somewhat scarce to start, this is an important step.  I am also excited to announce that the Big E has been approved by the state as a regional vaccination site, with more details coming soon. As our vaccine supply continues to expand, I will continue to advocate for more local and regional sites to help residents better access the vaccine.  

This week I had the pleasure of attending the raising of the Greek flag at St. George’s Orthodox Church in Springfield.  This last Thursday marked the 200th anniversary of Greece’s Independence from the Ottoman Empire.  I’m very proud of my Greek heritage and was honored to have been invited to such an event.   

I’d also like to highlight one of the bills that I’ve filed this year, SD1372, The Speed Act.  This bill would speed up the process for reapplying for professional licenses when spouses of military move to the Commonwealth.  The act also eases the transition for service members’ children to their new schools by allowing pre-enrollment and online attendance before actually moving to the district and by also creating a “Purple Star” campuses designation.     

Speaking of Veterans’ affairs, this week also marked the first meeting of the Joint Committee on Veteran and Federal Affairs.  As the newly appointed Chairman, I will always do my best to advocate for our current servicemembers and Veterans.  I look forward to a productive legislative session with my fellow officials on the Committee.   

This week the bond bill that would finance the reconstruction of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home was voted on favorably by the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.  Its next stop is the Joint Committee on Bonding.  The Holyoke Soldiers’ Home is an essential and venerable service for Veterans in the Commonwealth, a population amongst which I proudly count myself.  We’re at the thirty yard line here with this bill and I will continue to do my best to push this over into the endzone so that Veterans for decades to come will be able receive care from the Home with the dignity and honor that they deserve.   

I’ve also started sending out both quarterly newsletters and weekly email updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.  To sign up for my COVID-19 updates, head to senatorjohnvelis.com/covid-19-updates/  In a few weeks, the second issue of Quarterly newsletter will be going out as well, and you can sign up at senatorjohnvelis.com/quarterly-newsletter/ to receive the newsletter right in your email inbox.  

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. 

John Velis 

Senator Velis at Springfield City Hall on Thursday, March 25th, for the celebration of the Bicentennial of Greek Independence.
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Velis introduces legislation to support military families

(BOSTON 3/22/21) At the end of last month State Senator John C. Velis filed bill SD1372: An Act relative to military spouse-licensure portability, education and enrollment of dependents. This bill would help moving military families transition easier by speeding up the state professional licensing process, allowing children moving into the Commonwealth enroll in school prior to the move, and letting college students keep in-state tuition.  

Relatively short durations of military assignments and long re-application processes often discourage military spouses from seeking their respective licenses when moving to a new state.  This bill would require state agencies to accept or reject their application within 30 days of applying, which would help speed up the process of finding a new job.  

The legislation  would also create a “purple star campus” designation for schools with services geared towards frequently moving military families, including having designated-military family staff contacts and website  resources for students and families. The bill would also allow rolling and virtual enrollment for students in military families who are going to move to the Commonwealth, alleviating the burden of missed deadlines and repeated classes that children with parents in the military often face.   

For college students whose military family or sponsor move out the Commonwealth, the legislation also requires that they be deemed an in-state resident and still qualify for in-state tuition at institutions of higher education so long as they remain continuously enrolled.   

“Moving around frequently is a fact of life for my fellow service persons in the military.  It always has been. ” said Velis.  “Spouses can’t work.  Kids get stuck in the bureaucratic muck and fall behind in school.  College students lose affordability.  I just think that–we as a Commonwealth–should do everything on our power to ease transitions for families who are already sacrificing so much for us.” 

Senator Velis worked closely with officials from the Department of Defense on this legislation, which follows many recommendations put forward by the Military Child Education Coalition.  

“The Military Child Education Coalition applauds Massachusetts Senator John Velis and his fellow Senators for introducing SD 1372 calling for the adoption of a state-wide Purple Star Campus program,” said MCEC President and CEO Dr. Becky Porter. “The Purple Star Program has the ability to reshape the educational environment for our military-connected children and families for years to come. MCEC looks forward to increased opportunities to work side-by-side with state educators and administrators across the nation to help them earn their schools the designation of being recognized as a Purple Star Campus.” 

Senator Velis is a major in the army reserves and was recently appointed the Chair of the Joint committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs.   

This bill has not been referred to a committee yet.   

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March 21, 2021 – Weekly Update

Happy St. Patrick’s Day Folks, 

It was another busy week here in the State Senate.  This week marked the first hearing on the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Bond Bill.  Elected officials, family members, veterans’ advocates, and myself testified before the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight on the specifics of the bill, which would allow the state to build an entirely new facility.  The need for a new Home has existed for far too long and the tragedy that occurred there this past spring has only made that more apparent.  Our veterans are the best of us and therefore they deserve the best from us. 

This past Thursday’s Senate session was fruitful as well.  The Senate passed a coronavirus relief package aimed at small businesses. Among other things, it would make PPP loans non-taxable income and extend the tax filing deadline until May 17th.  As the light at end of the tunnel for this pandemic gets brighter and brighter, it’s paramount that the legislature continues to focus on the keystone of our economic recovery: small businesses.   

In addition to the hearing about the bond bill this week, the Special Oversight Committee on the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke also held a hearing on Friday.  We heard testimony directly from Mark Pearlstein, who was appointed by the Governor to conduct an independent investigation on the COVID-19 outbreak at the Home.  The purpose of these hearings is to find out the underlying institutional causes that led to the tragedy at the Home last spring and to make sure something like this never happens again.   

Friday morning I also joined some of my colleagues and officials from Mercy Medical Center for their virtual legislative breakfast. It was an informative meeting where we heard directly from Mercy leadership about how the Center has adapted to COVID-19 to serve our communities. 

On Wednesday I had the pleasure of presenting citations to two retiring Westfield Police officers, Terry Manos and William Ulrich.  With a combined sixty-four years on the force, they did an excellent job serving and protecting our community.  Thank you to the both of them and everyone here in my office is wishing them a happy retirement.   

I’d also like to commend the staff and students at Holyoke Community College for being ranked amongst the best community colleges in the United States by AcademicInfluence.com this week.  They were 20th out of 839 schools across the country.  They’re deserving of it and I know they will continue to help build a stronger workforce for the entire region.   

This week, the Governor also announced new updates to the Vaccine eligibility timeline. On March 22nd, individuals 60+ and workers in certain sectors will become eligible.  On April 5th, individuals 55+ and those with one comorbidity will become eligible.  And on April 19th, the general public will become eligible.  If you have any questions on your eligibility, please visit www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine  or my website link which I mention below. 

Recently, I also started sending out both quarterly newsletters and weekly email updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.  To sign up for my COVID-19 updates, head to senatorjohnvelis.com/covid-19-updates/  To sign up for my quarterly newsletter, head to senatorjohnvelis.com/quarterly-newsletter/ 

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. 

Sláinte! 

John Velis 

Senator Velis presents Senate citations to Westfield Police officers, Terry Manos and William Ulrich, who retired this past year after 32 years each of service.
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