Legislature Passes Economic Development Bill

BOSTON (1/6/2020) – On Wednesday, shortly before 4AM, the Massachusetts State Senate and House of Representatives passed HB5250 – An Act Enabling Partnerships for Growth.

The final bill provides the residents of Massachusetts a COVID-19
relief and recovery package that will provide desperately needed support to our restaurant and tourism sectors, small businesses, as well as those who have been significantly impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic, while also creating a Future of Work Commission, establishing protections for student loan borrowers, and ushering in zoning reforms that will encourage housing development and access in our communities. The House and Senate collaborated to produce a comprehensive economic development bill allocating $627,181,000 in capital authorizations across housing, community development, small business recovery, broadband expansion, neighborhood revitalization, climate resilience, vocational and career training, and higher education.

FUNDING ITEMS

In total, the economic development bill includes $627,181,000 in authorizations for housing, economic, and community development coupled with mandates of social, racial, economic, and geographic equity where appropriate.

Regional & Community Assistance Planning Grants (7002-8032)
Authorizes $10,000,000 for planning initiatives undertaken by individual municipalities, joint cities or towns, or entire regions working together to address shared goals related to community development, housing production or other issues of local and regional concern.

Employment Social Enterprise Capital Grant Program (7002-8033)
Authorizes $27,700,000 for the establishment of an Employment Social Enterprise Capital Grant Program to be administered by EOHED.

Restaurant COVID-19 Grants (7002-8034)
Authorizes $20,000,000 for a program administered by EOHED to provide financial and capital assistance to restaurants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Site Readiness Program (7002-8000)
Authorizes $15,000,000 for the Site Readiness Program administered by MassDevelopment to continue making sites ready for development through site assembly and assessment, permitting, and other predevelopment activities.

Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation – CDFIs (7002-8001)
Authorizes $35,000,000 for the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation to provide matching grants to community development financial institutions certified by the U.S. Treasury or community development corporations certified under M.G.L c. 40H.

Vocational School Expansion Grants (7035-2020)
Authorizes $15,000,000 for capital grants to vocational technical schools to expand operating capacities and reduce wait lists.

Higher Education Workforce Grants (7066-2020)
Authorizes $15,000,000 for a grant program administered by the Department of Higher Education to support career-oriented programs and initiatives at community colleges.

COVID-19 State Payroll Protection Program (7002-8035)
Authorizes $30,000,000 for the Massachusetts Growth Corporation to provide small business loans to those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to pay employee payroll, mortgage interest, rent, utilities and interest on other debt obligations.

Local Economic Development Projects (7002-8036)
Authorizes $102,304,000 for local economic development projects throughout Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Broadband Incentive Fund (7002-8002)
Authorizes $5,000,000 to fund the Massachusetts Broadband Incentive Fund for maintenance of broadband infrastructure owned by the Massachusetts Technology Park Corporation in Central and Western Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (7002-8003)
Authorizes $10,000,000 in matching grants to support collaboration among manufacturers located in the Commonwealth and institutions of higher education, nonprofits and other public or quasi-public entities.

Technology Research & Development & Innovation Fund (7002-8004)
Authorizes $52,000,000 for the Scientific and Technology Research and Development Matching Grant Fund to foster additional scientific and technology research and development in the Commonwealth.

Rural Community Development & Infrastructure Grants (7002-8027)
Authorizes $20,000,000 for a competitive grant program fund dedicated to supporting community development, infrastructure projects, and climate resilience initiatives in rural communities and small towns.

Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation – Microbusiness Grants (7002-8028)
Authorizes $25,000,000 for the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, in consultation with the microbusiness development center, to administer a grant program to provide capital for micro-businesses and low-to-moderate income entrepreneurs looking to start or expand a new business.

Travel & Tourism Matching Grants (7002-8029)
Authorizes $14,000,000 for a competitive grant program to improve facilities and destinations visited by travelers in order to increase visitation, entice repeat visitation through marketing and other means, and increase the direct and indirect economic impacts of the tourism industry in all regions of the Commonwealth.

Blighted Buildings Redevelopment Program (7002-8031)
Authorizes $40,000,000 for a program to support the redevelopment of underutilized, blighted, or abandoned buildings.

Commonwealth Zoological Corporation (7002-8034)
Authorizes $12,500,000 for the Commonwealth Zoological Corporation for capital
improvements necessary for the operation of the Zoo New England, Franklin Park Zoo, and the Walter D. Stone Memorial Zoo.

Urban Agriculture Grant Program (7002-8037)
Authorizes $2,000,000 for capital grants for urban farms as defined in this act.

Lottery Commission IT (0640-0100)
Authorizes $15,000,000 for IT related projects at the state lottery commission.

Massachusetts Cultural Council Grants (0640-0303)
Authorizes $6,000,000 for a competitive grant program administered by the MCC to promote artists in creating new mediums to showcase their art, and to promote local museums to showcase their exhibits remotely.

Massachusetts Cultural Council Public School Grants (0640-0304)
Authorizes $5,000,000 for a competitive grant program to be administered by the MCC, in consultation with DESE, to help public schools provide access to cultural experiences in the community through remote means in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cultural Facilities Grants (0640-0305)

Authorizes $20,000,000 for a non-profit infrastructure and equipment competitive grant program administered by the MCC to provide means to safely and sustainably reopen to the public while upholding necessary public health and social distancing protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.

TRC Virtual Mediation Services (1102-5702)
Authorizes $15,000,000 to make improvements at the trial courts to support virtual mediation services.

Transit-Oriented Housing Developments (7004-0059)
Authorizes $50,000,000 in the form of grants and loans for transit-oriented housing and the production of high-density mixed-income affordable housing near transit modes.

Climate-Resilient Affordable Housing Developments (7004-0064)
Authorizes $10,000,000 for sustainable and climate-resilient construction in affordable, multifamily housing developments to better respond to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Neighborhood Stabilization (7004-0065)
Authorizes $50,000,000 for neighborhood stabilization to help return blighted or vacant housing back to productive use.

Gateway Cities Housing Program (7004-0066)
Authorizes $5,000,000 in a Gateway City housing pilot program to support the construction of shovel-ready market-rate housing opportunities.

POLICY ITEMS

HOUSING

Housing Choice
Implements zoning reform to help cities and towns approve smart growth zoning and affordable housing by lowering the required vote threshold for a range of housing-related zoning changes and special permits at the local level from a two-thirds supermajority to a simple majority. Housing production is an integral part of economic development and recovery. Therefore, these provisions will cut the red tape that stands in the way of housing production and provide municipalities with the tools necessary to spur housing production in the Commonwealth.

MBTA Communities
Requires designated MBTA communities to be zoned for at least one district of reasonable size, as defined in the Act, in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right. Requires such housing to be suitable for families with children.

Zoning Appeals
Allows judges to require non-municipal parties who appeal special permits, site plan review, and variances to post a bond up to $50,000 to secure statutory costs. Provides judges with discretion to consider the merits of the appeal and the relative financial ability of the parties.

HDIP Programmatic changes
Requires at least 10% of units to be affordable (i) rental units for people whose income is not more than 60% of the area median income, or (ii) owner-occupied units for people whose income is not more than 80% of the area median income; amends the HDIP program to increase transparency and equity.

40R Smart Growth
Permits DHCD to establish smart growth design standards; clarifies that mixed use development is allowed; place limitations on density bonus payments for housing in districts limited to age-restricted, disabled, or assisted living populations; enhance DHCD’s ability to claw back incentive payments if a community repeals 40R zoning.

Tenant’s Right to Purchase
Creates a local option establishing a tenant’s right of first refusal and outlines a process by which tenants occupying a residential property may purchase said property prior to its sale or foreclosure.

Eviction Record Sealing
Seals all no-fault eviction records.

Minors & Eviction Records
Prohibits minors from being named in a summary process summons; requires expungement of the names of any minors from any court record or electronic docket.

Local Housing Authority Board Member Elections
Amends provisions related to the election of local housing board members and modifies the definition of the tenant member on such boards by expanding seat eligibility to tenants with signed leases for public housing operated by the local housing authority, tenants in public housing operated on behalf of the housing authority, participants in rental housing assistance programs operated by a housing authority, or a resident of any such housing units over the age of 18.

Low-income Housing Tax Credit
Increases the state low-income housing tax credit program cap from $20,000,000 to $40,000,000.

CONSUMER PROTECTIONS

Student Loan Bill of Rights
Establishes a new G.L. c. 93L regulating the licensing and operation of student loan servicers by the Commissioner of Banks; establishes a Student Loan Ombudsman within the Office of the Attorney General for the purpose of receiving, reviewing and assisting in the resolution of complaints from student loan borrowers; authorizes the Ombudsman to assist with repayment options, applying for federal loan forgiveness programs, ending wage and tax refund garnishments, resolving billing disputes, and obtaining loan details.

Motor Vehicle Insurance and Registration
Requires insurers, licensed insurance producers, or third- party representatives to verify an applicant’s Massachusetts driving history before processing a payment or issuing a policy when they utilize driving history as a rating or an underwriting factor for motor vehicle insurance; requires the insurer or insurance producer to provide a disclosure regarding the verification of the applicant’s driving history when issuing a quote, allowing consumers to understand that an initial quote for a policy may differ from the final cost of the policy, after driving history is checked.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC RELIEF AND RECOVERY

Third-Party Delivery Fee Caps
Limits fees charged by third-party delivery services for restaurants to 15% during the COVID-19 state of emergency; prohibits third-party delivery service companies from reducing rates for delivery drivers or garnishing gratuities as result of this Act.

Commission on Cultural and Creative Sector
Creates a commission to examine and make recommendations on addressing the recovery of the cultural and creative sector, including the arts, humanities and sciences, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

EMPLOYEE PROTECTIONS, BUSINESS GROWTH, AND EQUITY

Tourism Destination Marketing Districts
Enables, via local option, the creation of tourism destination marketing districts (“TDMDs”), made up of hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts, for purpose of generating local revenue dedicated solely for the promotion and marketing of specific regions of the Commonwealth.

Waitstaff Employees
Amends the statutory definition of wait staff employee to include a person in a quick service restaurant who prepares or serves food or beverages as part of a team of counter staff; further amends that definition to clarify that such an employee has no managerial responsibility during a day in which the person serves beverages or prepared food or clears patrons’ tables.

Paid Family Medical Leave
Provides that the taking of family or medical leave shall not affect an employee’s right to accrue vacation time, sick leave, bonuses, advancement, seniority, length-of-service credit or other employment benefits, plans or programs.

Grand Bargain Premium Holiday Fix
Requires retail employers to pay employees time and a half holiday pay for working on New Years Day, Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day, and Veterans Day.

Natural Hair Braiding & Licensing
Exempts natural hair braiding from the definition of hairdressing, and exempts natural hair braiding from rules and regulations pertaining to aesthetics, barbering, cosmetology, electrolysis, hairdressing and manicuring.

PRIM Investment Board
Encourages the PRIM Board to use minority investment managers to manage PRIT Fund assets, where appropriate, and to increase the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of Fund investments.

Mass Maritime Piers Repair and Rehabilitation Program
Establishes a Maritime Piers Repair and Rehabilitation Program within the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency to make grants and loans for the reconstruction, repair, renovation or rehabilitation of existing commercial and marine industrial infrastructure and public or private maritime transportation infrastructure.

Transient Vendor License Extension
Expands the transient vendors license from one to three years.

Minority and Women Enterprise Study
Creates a special commission to identify ways to grow minority and women business enterprises in public construction.

Commission on Journalism
Establishes a commission of experts, industry members, academics, and elected officials to research and propose policy solutions related to the decline of local journalism in Massachusetts and the future sustainability of the industry.

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL SUPPORT

Rural Growth Fund
Establishes the Rural Jobs Tax Credit for businesses that make a capital contribution to a rural growth fund, established within the Office of Business Development.

Healthy Soils Program and Fund
Expands the Food Policy Council to include an expert in healthy soil practices; codifies the definition of “healthy soils;”; gives the Commission for Conservation of Soil and Water the ability to establish a Massachusetts Healthy Soils Program and Fund.

Cranberry Renovation Tax Credit
Establishes a tax credit equal to 25 per cent of the total qualified renovation expenditures for a cranberry bog, not to exceed $100,000 and capped at $2,000,000 per year.

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

Personal Vehicle Sharing Insurance
Clarifies that carsharing platforms may obtain insurance coverage from non-admitted carriers and that carsharing platforms do not need their own insurance-producer or broker licenses to offer or maintain insurance policies for carsharing vehicles or drivers.

Future of Work Commission
Creates a special commission to conduct a comprehensive study relative to the impact of automation, artificial intelligence, global trade, access to new forms of data and the internet of things on the workforce, businesses and economy.

January 5, 2021January 5, 2021

Legislature Passes Landmark Climate Change Bill

BOSTON (01/04/2021) – The Massachusetts Legislature today passed breakthrough climate legislation that overhauls the state’s climate laws, drives down greenhouse gas emissions, creates clean energy jobs, and protects environmental justice communities.

The bill, An Act Creating a Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy (S.2995), sets a 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions limit, as well as statewide limits every five years; increases the requirements for offshore wind energy procurement bringing the statewide total to 5,600 megawatts; requires emission reduction goals for MassSave, the state’s energy efficiency program; and, for the first time, establishes the criteria in statute that define environmental justice populations. The legislation also increases support for clean energy workforce development programs including those targeting low-income communities and improves gas pipeline safety.

“This legislation takes a historic step in the fight against climate change, putting Massachusetts on the path to creating a cleaner, greener and healthier future for the next generation,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I am thrilled to see this legislation codifies our shared goal of reducing harmful carbon emissions to zero by 2050, and creates new energy initiatives and standards to help us reach that target. I want to thank Senator Barrett, Representative Golden and their fellow conferees for their advocacy and hard work, as well as Speaker Mariano and former Speaker DeLeo for their partnership in seeing this bill through to fruition. I’d also like to note how much the Senate has been inspired to action by the energy and determination demonstrated by the young people of this Commonwealth. Your commitment to protecting our planet is inspiring and I welcome your continued collaboration as we move forward together in addressing our climate crisis.”

“This legislation represents a major piece of climate legislation that will set the course of the Commonwealth for the next three decades,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “Today we send a message loud and clear that Massachusetts will empower our environmental justice communities, achieve net zero emissions by 2050, continue to lead on offshore wind, increase equitable access to our clean energy programs, and create pathways to clean energy jobs for underserved and low-income communities.”

“This bill steps up the pace of our collective drive to contain climate change,” said Senator Mike Barrett (D-Lexington), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy. “It’s the strongest effort of its kind in the country. With the tools the Legislature assembles here, we’re constructing the response we need and providing a blueprint to other states.”

“This is an historic day for Massachusetts. We have long been one of the clean energy leaders in our country, but today, we’ve strengthened the foundation that we have built upon and chart a course that has been long discussed but never codified or fully implemented,” said Senator Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “Climate policy can’t wait – that’s why this bipartisan legislation sets aggressive and practical goals in the areas of emissions reduction, green energy, environmental justice, and grid modernization. I am proud to have served on this conference committee and thank my colleagues for their hard work and collaborative spirit in crafting this legislation.”

“This historic climate change bill puts forth comprehensive policies to address the urgent climate concerns that our Commonwealth is facing,” said Senator John Velis (D-Westfield). “This legislation takes the general goals we have talked about for so long and implements them through specific and tangible action items. I am grateful to all the constituents and advocates who have reached out to me throughout this entire process.”

The legislation includes, among other items, the following provisions.

Sets a statewide net zero limit on greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and mandates emissions limits every five years, as well as limits for specific sectors of the economy, including transportation and buildings.
Codifies environmental justice provisions into Massachusetts law, defining environmental justice populations and providing new tools and protections for affected neighborhoods.
Requires an additional 2,400 megawatts of offshore wind, building on previous legislation action and increases the total to 5,600 megawatts in the Commonwealth.
Directs the Department of Public Utilities (DPU), regulator of the state’s electric and natural gas utilities, to balance priorities going forward: system safety, system security, reliability, affordability, equity, and, significantly,reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Sets appliance energy efficiency standards for a variety of common appliance including plumbing, faucets, computers, and commercial appliances.
Adopts several measures aimed at improves gas pipeline safety, including increased fines for safety violations and regulations related to training and certifying utility contractors.
Increases the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) by 3 percent each year from 2025 – 2029, resulting in 40 percent renewable energy by 2030.
Establishes an opt-in municipal net zero energy stretch code, including a definition of “net zero building.”
Prioritizes equitable access to the state’s solar programs by low-income communities
Establishes $12 million in annual funding for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center in order to create a pathway to the clean energy industry for environmental justice populations and minority-owned and women-owned businesses.
Provides solar incentives for businesses by exempting them from the net metering cap to allow them to install solar systems on their premises to help offset their electricity use and save money.
Requires utilities to include an explicit value for greenhouse gas reductions when they calculate the cost-effectiveness of an offering of MassSave.
Creates a first-time greenhouse gas emissions standard for municipal lighting plants that requires them to purchase 50 percent non-emitting electricity by 2030 and “net zero” by 2050.
Sets benchmarks for the adoption of clean energy technologies including electric vehicles, charging stations, solar technology, energy storage, heat pumps and anaerobic digestors.

The bill is now with the governor.

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January 4, 2021

Velis hopeful for a better 2021

January 4th, 2020 – The Westfield News – Hope E. Tremblay

WESTFIELD – Like most people, state Sen. John C. Velis is looking forward to focusing on the positive in 2021.

When the clock struck midnight on New Year’s, Velis had one thing to say: “2020 – see ya!”

“I miss people,” he said. “For most politicians, people are the reason you do the job. I love people and cannot wait to get back to seeing everyone in person.”

Velis won the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District senate seat not once, but twice during the pandemic. Since his first swearing-in in May, Velis has attended every senate session – which were extended through the entire year – virtually.

December 30, 2020

‘Leading the way’: Vaccinations begin at Soldiers’ Homes in Holyoke and Chelsea, offering a crucial step toward reconnecting families

December 29th, 2020 – Greg Saulmon – MassLive, Photo by Hoang ‘Leon’ Nguyen / The Republican

HOLYOKE — When U.S. Air Force veteran Robert Aucoin got his first of two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday, he fist bumped a nurse standing nearby.

“Leading the way,” said Aucoin, 78, who was the first resident vaccinated at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke.

Across the state, at the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea, World War II veteran Dominic Pitella got his shot as vaccinations began at the state’s two long-term care facilities for veterans, both of which saw dozens of residents die in coronavirus outbreaks this year.

It was a milestone in the ongoing effort to keep the virus out of the nursing homes — but family members and advocates said it was also a crucial step toward letting loved ones back in.

For nine months, veterans and their families have had few chances to see each other in person. Outdoor visits resumed in Holyoke in June, only to be suspended in September when an administrator tested positive for the virus. Visits were suspended indefinitely in November as cases and deaths surged.

…

State Sen. John C. Velis, a U.S. Army Reserve combat veteran whose district includes Holyoke, said he was glad to see the vaccinations begin — and that it’s critical to ensure the process is swift.

“The visiting hours have continuously been on hold because of the potential cases, for both residents and staff, which has just been tremendously hard for the families and veterans of Western Mass,” he said, describing “heartbreaking” conversations with family members who have been unable to visit the home. He added, “All they want to do is get in there and give dad, mom, brother, sister a hug, and tell them they love them.”

…

As families wait for the day when they can visit again — relying on nurses and other staff in the meantime to help set up video chats and calls — Velis pledged to continue working with administrators and advocating for steps to safeguard the veterans’ emotional wellbeing.

“One thing I really need to ensure is that in the absence of these visits, veterans are being emotionally engaged,” he said. “They’ve earned it, right? We’re talking about the most selfless population in the world.”

December 27, 2020December 23, 2020

December 27th, 2020 – Weekly Update

Season’s Greetings everyone!

I hope you and your families are able to enjoy this holiday season while remaining safe as COVID cases are continuing to rise.

The holidays are supposed to be a time where we gather to see family and friends, but as with everything this year, that has sadly become difficult. Following the recent rise in cases, Governor Baker has released new guidelines and restrictions that will take effect this Saturday, December 26th in an effort to slow the spread of this deadly virus. Most importantly, the Governor has reduced gathering sizes and business capacities. Starting today, no more than 10 people are allowed at indoor gatherings and no more than 25 people at outdoor gatherings. I implore everybody to continue to exercise caution this week as we ring in the new year.

On a more positive note, as of Wednesday, almost 200,000 COVID-19 vaccines have arrived in the Commonwealth. Amongst the first recipients of the vaccine will be those at congregate living facilities, like nursing homes, and our brave medical workers on the front lines. While these are positive developments, it is important to remember that we are not in the clear yet and I encourage everyone to remain vigilant.

With the end of the legislative session in sight, this week has been one of our busiest at the state house. This past Wednesday, I was happy to vote on the health care conference committee bill, which requires insurers to permanently reimburse customers for behavioral telehealth appointments at rates they would pay for the same care in person. This cementing of telehealth options in our healthcare system is the first of what I’m sure will be many changes in the way we think about medicine post-COVID. This week I was also afforded the time to celebrate the season with both my colleagues and family, albeit remotely. Along with Mayor Humason and Rep-Elect Pease, I zoomed into WCPC/WSKB 89.5 on Wednesday to spread some holiday cheer to our community.

Sadly, this is a time a year when many are reminded of what they lack and this has only been exacerbated by the pandemic. With the new year looming and the housing courts reopening, many will find themselves in dire housing situations. In response to this, the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC) has formed the COVID Eviction Legal Help Project (CEHLP). CEHLP is a group that gives free legal help to low-income tenants and owner-occupants living in 2- or 3-family houses in Massachusetts. To find legal help in your area, go to www.evictionlegalhelp.org or call 2-1-1.

As the new year begins, I’m starting a new tradition: a quarterly newsletter from my office right to your email inbox. This newsletter will include more in-depth information on legislation and what is going on in the State house. If you would like to sign up for the newsletter, head to www.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.

Best wishes for a happy holiday season and new year,

John C. Velis

December 21, 2020

December 20th, 2020 – Weekly Update

Hello Everyone,

I hope you all are doing well and staying safe. We had quite a bit of snow this week, and I want to thank all the first responders and public works employees who were on call in our district.

I was lucky enough to begin this past week listening to my good friend Senator Mike Rush sing “The Army Goes Rolling Along” over Zoom. Some of you might remember that me and the Senator, who is also a Lt. Commander in the US Navy Reserves, had a friendly bet on the Army-Navy football game last weekend. Luckily, the outcome was in my favor. In addition to the fun singing, the Senator made a donation to the Holyoke Soldiers Home and I made a donation to the Fisher House of Boston in his district, both great organizations serving our Vets. You can see the recording of the Senator’s performance on my social media, @SenJohnVelis.

On Monday I met with Representative-Elect Pat Duffy via video-chat, who will be the new State Representative for Holyoke starting in January. I also had the honor of speaking with Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou, the Greek Ambassador to the United States. We discussed my recent re-election and other Greek legislators throughout the country.

This past Tuesday, I remotely recorded an interview with Comcast Newsmakers. I went over the recent FY21 budget that the legislature passed and answered questions on my amendments securing funding for the Holyoke Soldiers Home. The interview will be released in the New Year and will be available on YouTube and Comcast on-demand. Later in the day, I had a phenomenal virtual meeting with the Holyoke Rotary Club where we discussed how COVID-19 has affected state finances and in turn how that has impacted municipalities.

During these difficult times it has been incredible to see the ways our community has stepped up to help those struggling, especially those facing food insecurity issues. On Wednesday night, I joined Holyoke community members for the 5^th annual Holyoke Community Dinner Celebration, where we handed out meals and chatted with residents driving through. Friday afternoon I joined the Russell Police Department for their food drive and handed out Christmas Dinner boxes to community members. I’m so grateful for the organizations, sponsors, and volunteers who organized these events!

This week I am also happy to report that Westfield and Chicopee were both selected by MassDOT as grant winners for the Shared Streets and Spaces Program, which provides funds to municipalities to improve public spaces and increase safe mobility. Westfield will be receiving a little more than $225,000 to upgrade and expand existing sidewalks in the City and to improve facilities at adjacent PVTA bus stops. Chicopee will be receiving just above $75,000 to develop a network of mixed-use lanes for pedestrians and cyclists in Chicopee Center.

Sincerely,

John C. Velis

Senator Velis with the Russell Police Department on Friday, 12/18 for the Christmas Food Drive

Senator Velis with the Holyoke Rotary Club on Tuesday, 12/15

December 13, 2020December 14, 2020

December 13th, 2020 – Weekly Update

Hi Everyone,

I can’t believe that it’s already December, it’s getting colder every day!

This week the state released its initial COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan with the hope that vaccine inoculations can begin as early as next week. The distribution timeline is divided into phases, and the first phase will prioritize health care workers and the most vulnerable residents in our communities. The vaccine will be free to all and insurers will not charge co-pays or out-of-pocket costs. These developments are really encouraging, but it’s important to remember that this is not going to be an immediate process. COVID-19 is just as dangerous today as it was before this news, and we need to continue to wear masks and social distance so that we can get through this together. You can find out more about the vaccine distribution at Mass.gov/COVIDvaccine.

This past Monday, I hosted a Zoom forum with legislative colleagues and Commissioner Jane Ryder of the Department of Developmental Services. We discussed challenges that Adult Day Programs in our region are facing and how to improve communications and financial supports from DDS to these organizations. Tuesday night I joined the Holyoke Democratic City Committee for their virtual meeting honoring State Representative Vega as Democrat of the year. Representative Vega has been an incredible advocate for Holyoke during his time as a legislator, and I was proud to speak about my friendship with him and our work together.

Wednesday and Thursday were full of meetings in the community. I joined Holyoke’s Public Safety Committee meeting Wednesday night and had another informative meeting with Southampton Town Administrator Ed Gibson on Thursday afternoon. On Wednesday I also met with Jay Kumar, the owner of Universal Plastics in Holyoke, to hear about challenges businesses like his have been facing.

This Saturday Army and Navy played 121^st football game in their historic rivalry. One of my colleagues, Senator Mike Rush, is a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy and we realized that this is the first time in modern history that the Senate has a sitting Senator enlisted in each of the branches. Considering this, we decided to make a friendly wager on the game: loser must post a video singing the opposing branch’s fight song. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to hearing Senator Rush’s beautiful rendition. For updates on our wager, feel free to visit my social media channels at @SenJohnVelis.

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.

Sincerely,

John C. Velis

December 9, 2020December 9, 2020

Organic recycling facility in Agawam provides nutrients to local farms

December 9th, 2020 – Sarah Heinonen – The Reminder

AGAWAM – In a nondescript, green building on Main Street in Agawam, food that would once have been sent to an incinerator is getting a new life as it takes its first steps on the road to becoming fertilizer.

The Vanguard Renewable Organics Recycling Facility was “powered up” on Dec. 3 with help from Chairman and CEO John Hanselman, Agawam Mayor William Sapelli, state Rep. Nicholas Boldyga, state Sen. John Velis, and City Councilors Mario Tedschi, George Bitzas and Rosemary Sandlin.

…

Velis noted, “At a fundamental level, this is about taking something that’s bad and turning it into something that’s good and green.”

December 7, 2020

December 6th, 2020 Weekly Update

Hello Everyone,

I hope you all had a great week and are staying safe and healthy during these difficult times.

It is clear from this week’s data reports that the rate of COVID-19 cases in our communities is rising. Currently Southwick, Chicopee, and Holyoke are designated as red communities, while Westfield, Agawam, and Easthampton are designated as yellow communities. It is imperative that we continue to stay vigilant as we move into these winter months. While news surrounding a vaccine is extremely promising, we are not there yet, and we need to be mindful of the interactions we are having with others.

This past Friday, the Senate and House came to agreement on a final FY2021 budget after differences between the two chambers were worked out in conference committee. I was proud to vote for this final legislation, which provides critical support and investments to our community while remaining fiscally responsible. I am also glad that my amendments providing funding for the Holyoke Soldiers Home, the Holyoke and Westfield Boys & Girls Clubs, Baystate Health and the Agawam Police Department survived the conference process and are included in the final bill. Now the budget will go before the Governor for his consideration.

Tuesday morning I attended the ribbon cutting ceremony of Compass Recovery in Agawam, where I was honored to present them with a Senate citation in recognition of their opening. The treatment center will provide partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient services for those struggling with substance abuse disorders.

On Wednesday I attended the services for Staff Sergeant Mark Johnson, a 2015 graduate of Agawam High School who recently passed away while stationed in Fort Hood, Texas. Sgt. Johnson served as a Squad Leader in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve in Romania and was a recipient of numerous military honors. His service inspires us all, and his passing is a tragic loss for our entire community.

Thursday morning I was in Agawam for the grand opening of Vanguard Renewables’ new Organics Recycling Facility. The recycling facility’s innovative process converts expired and unsafe food waste into renewable energy. Vanguard Renewables is the largest organics recycler in the Northeast and will process nearly 500,000 tons of organic waste into renewables energy in 2021. It was truly incredible to tour the facility and learn more about how this process works firsthand.

Sincerely,

John C. Velis

November 30, 2020

November 29, 2020 – Weekly Update

Hello Everyone,

I hope you all were able to safely celebrate Thanksgiving with your loved ones, whether that be in-person or virtually!

I want to first update you all on the status of the FY2021 budget. As you might remember, last week the Senate passed our final FY2021 budget after two days of debating over 450 amendments. The next step is for the Senate and House to meet in conference committee to resolve differences between the two versions, before sending a finalized budget to the Governor for his consideration. This week the Senate and House each appointed members to the budget conference committee.

I also want to shout out the annual Monte’s March, which took place earlier this week to benefit the Western Massachusetts Food Bank. This two-day, 43 mile walk from Springfield to Greenfield raises awareness and funds to prevent hunger in our region. While the march this year looked different than past years, people really stepped up—the March raised more than $600,000 in donations. These donations will benefit the Food Bank and our communities in countless ways and I’m inspired by everyone who participated or made a donation.

Tuesday morning I had a virtual meeting with constituents from Holyoke to discuss some of the challenges that residents are facing regarding their unemployment benefits and other state resources. As a result, my office is creating some easily accessible information for our communities, both in print and digital forms, on what resources are available to them and how to receive such benefits. In addition my office is always available to assist anyone who is having difficulty with their benefits or unemployment claim.

Tuesday afternoon I met with Pat Beaudry at the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. We discussed a variety of challenges that our communities in the Pioneer Valley are facing, and it was great to get his input. Later on Tuesday, I drove over to MGM Springfield where I had an introductory meeting with President Chris Kelley.

On Wednesday I joined Congressman Neal and community members in Holyoke for the ribbon cutting of Harper’s Haven playground, which is dedicated in memory of Harper Violet, a young Holyoke resident who we tragically lost this past spring. I’m grateful to all the businesses, donors, and community members who pitched in to make this playground come to fruition.

Wednesday afternoon I joined the Forum house in Westfield for their annual Thanksgiving Lunch. It was great to help pass out Thanksgiving meals and talk with residents about how they’re doing. The holidays can be a challenging time for many, and it’s so important that we continue to reach out and provide support to those in our community who are struggling.

Sincerely,

John C. Velis