Author: john_velis

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August 30th, 2020 – Weekly Update

Happy end of August! 

It feels very strange to be at the end of summer, but here we are. This week was full of meetings and events in the district, with some important COVID and unemployment updates as well. 

I started off Monday morning by having a virtual meeting with Riverside Industries, who provides individualized skill development and employment options for adults living with developmental disabilities. Later that afternoon, I had calls with Dr. Vazquez Matos, Holyoke’s Superintendent, and Jen Willard, Southwick/Tolland/Granville Regional’s Superintendent to talk about their reopening plans. I will continue working with administration, teachers, and families moving forward as the school year begins. I wrapped up Monday by meeting with Baystate Health and Mike Knapik. I have been able to secure funding earmarks for Baystate over the past several years, and it was great to discuss some of the good work that has come about as a result.  

Tuesday afternoon, I was in Russell at the Senior Center and Town Hall where I passed out lunches and talked to residents about the things that are on their minds. Many thanks to Russell’s Council on Aging for organizing these lunches, which will be continued in September on both Tuesdays and Thursdays. Make sure to reach out to 413-862-6205 to reserve a lunch! I am always trying to get out and meet with constituents whenever possible, and was able to attend a Zoom Meeting with Southwick residents of the Lake Management Committee on Thursday to hear about their work with Congamond Lake. 

On Wednesday morning, I had the pleasure of attending the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of Runway 15-33 at Barnes Regional Airport. The reconstruction work was completed on-time and under budget, thanks to federal, state and local funding sources. These types of projects are great for the airport, and for our community, and I’m happy I could be a part! Later that afternoon, I had a meeting with Mayor Sapelli of Agawam. We discussed a number of issues, and went over to the Agawam Fire Department to go over some of their specific needs as a department. 

Thursday was one of the most eye-opening days I can remember of recent. I woke up early to join the Violent Fugitive Apprehension West Unit (VFAS) of the State Police for a ride-along. The VFAS Unit handles some of the most dangerous and complex criminal investigations in our state, which on this day, involved pursuing a major drug distributer in Holyoke among other things. Seeing the officers in action, and learning about how they plan and carry out these comprehensive investigations, was an incredible experience, and one I will not forget.  

Friday Morning, I had an extensive meeting with Secretary of Veterans Services Cheryl Poppe at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. Secretary Poppe was recently appointed by Governor Baker, and we had a in-depth conversation on funding levels for the Home, and how the Home will look moving forward. My office has requested enormous amounts of data and records so that we can do a deep dive into how the Home can improve, and I will continue to advocate for the needs of residents and staff wherever possible. Later Friday afternoon, I had my bi-weekly meeting with the administration of Holyoke Community College, where we talked about the fall and how the school is adapting its plans.  

This week, the Commonwealth’s Stop-The-Spread COVID-19 free testing initiative was expanded to Holyoke. The testing will be done by Drive-Through at Holyoke Community College, with no appointment needed. You do not have to be a resident of Holyoke, or have any symptoms of COVID-19 to get a test. The site will be open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 7-11AM, and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-7PM. You can contact (413) 322-5595 with questions, or you can reach out to my office.  

This State also announced this week that Massachusetts has been approved by FEMA to receive grant funding for the federal Lost Wages Supplemental Payment Assistance program. This grant will fund an additional $300 weekly unemployment benefit to those who were eligible for unemployment and made claims for the weeks ending 8/1/20, 8/8/20, and 8/15/20. Eligible claimants currently receiving benefits do not need to take any action, and the State anticipates the funds will be delivered automatically to claimants by 9/15/20. 

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 phone: (413) 572-3920. Additionally, my new website: senatorjohnvelis.com is being updated each day! 

Sincerely,  

John C. Velis 

Senator Velis in Russell with constituents
Ribbon cutting ceremony for runway 15-33 at Barnes Regional Airport
Senator Velis speaking at ribbon cutting ceremony at Barnes Regional Airport

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Lawmakers Want Free Testing In Hampshire County

August 26, 2020 – WBUR – Chris Lisinski – State House News Service

The Baker administration’s current COVID-19 monitoring “fails to paint a nuanced picture” for many western Massachusetts communities, state lawmakers warned Monday as they called for the establishment of a free testing site in Hampshire County.

Officials launched the Stop the Spread campaign to make testing more widely available in communities that lack access to it, and the three sites in the western part of the state are all in Hampden County, which lawmakers said renders the resources inaccessible to many of Hampshire’s residents.

The impending return of students to K-12 schools and colleges further underscores the need for a testing site, they said, because of the risks associated with travel between different communities. They also flagged concerns that the administration’s community categories imply that many areas face no risk of the highly infectious virus.

“Our request is made all the more urgent by the ways in which the current community data map fails to paint a nuanced picture for small communities like the ones we represent,” the 11 lawmakers said in their letter. “We have considerable concern that our communities are interpreting their ‘white’ status on the map as an indication of zero risk (when that’s absolutely not necessarily the case) leaving our region more vulnerable to spikes like the ones that hit South Hadley and Granby.”

Earlier in the summer, state officials launched a pop-up testing site in Northampton, but that option expired. Lawmakers said that the town of Amherst, which is also home to the UMass flagship campus, has expressed interest in hosting a Stop the Spread location.

Six representatives and five senators signed the letter: Democratic Reps. Mindy Domb, Natalie Blais, Daniel Carey and Thomas Petrolati, Republican Rep. Todd Smola and independent Rep. Susannah Whipps, as well as Democratic Sens. Jo Comerford, Anne Gobi, Adam Hinds, Eric Lesser and John Velis.

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Senator John Velis pushes for “An Act relative to Parkinson’s disease disability and death in firefighters”

(BOSTON – 7/30/2020) Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield) this week announced that his office has been pushing alongside other advocates for HB2378, “An Act relative to Parkinson’s disease disability and death in firefighters”. The bill, which was first filed by Senator Velis when he was in the House of Representatives 4 years ago, is currently in the House Committee on Ways and Means. The legislation was co-presented by Representative Sean Garballey, and has over 60 co-sponsors in the legislature.

The bill would amend the Retirement Systems and Pensions chapter in Massachusetts General Law to include Parkinson’s Disease in Massachusetts’ presumptive law, which would allow firefighters with Parkinson’s to retire on full accidental disability. The bill would establish that any condition of impairment caused by Parkinson’s Disease resulting in total or partial disability or death will be presumed to have been suffered in the line of duty (unless it is shown by the preponderance of the evidence that non-service factors or accidents caused the incapacity).

“Through conversations with firefighters who have suffered from Parkinson’s disease, it has become clear that the chemical exposure that takes place in their work is contributing to the high rate of disease in their profession,” said Senator Velis. “We ask our firefighters and first responders to put their lives on the line for us, and need to be sure that we are providing them with the relief they need for the high risks they assume.”

Senator Velis says that he became more aware of this issue after talking to Greg Heath, a friend and retired Westfield Firefighter. Mr. Heath testified in support of the bill in October in front of the Joint Committee on Public Service. “I am here to show you that firefighters contract Parkinson’s as a result of chemicals encountered in their service,” said Mr. Heath. “Some nights are filled with constant body movements. Many medications don’t work for me anymore. I am approaching the possibility of brain surgery. The passage of this bill will allow me to provide security for my family and ease the burden that is sure to come.”

Senator Velis has worked with a number of different advocates and organizations on this bill, including the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM). “Firefighters are routinely exposed to burning chemicals and toxins that cause Parkinsons. The Neurotoxin Institute found that Parkinsons was significantly higher among firefighters than the regular population,” said PFFM Legislative Agent Paul Jacques. “HB2378 was given a favorable report this Session as well as the last Session. Having HB2378 move forward for passage would provide the necessary benefits our members deserve who are currently diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and god forbid those diagnosed in the future.”

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Legislature Enacts $1.8 Billion Bond Bill to Strengthen the Commonwealth’s Information Technology & Physical Infrastructure

(BOSTON –  08/18/2020 ) House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo and Senate President Karen E. Spilka joined their colleagues in House and Senate to pass legislation authorizing up to $1.8 billion in spending for the improvement of information technology equipment and other capital projects in Massachusetts.

The legislation also authorizes funding for food security, law enforcement body cameras, and investments in educational technologies in Massachusetts schools.

“Now, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, more than ever, everyone realizes the importance of our information technology infrastructure,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “These investments will strengthen the resilience of our state and help provide more equitable access to key services for our residents. I thank Governor Baker, Senate President Spilka, and my colleagues in the Legislature for their work on this important bill.”

“As we adjust to a world transformed by a global pandemic we stand committed and ready to supporting existing programs and finding new ways to invest in underserved and underrepresented populations,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland).“I am thrilled to see this bill authorizes additional much-needed supports for childcare providers. I am equally proud to see this borrowing bill directs resources to a program aimed at supporting communities of color. I would like to thank all my colleagues, including House Speaker DeLeo and Senator Michael Rodrigues, for their work priorities.”

“The IT Bond bill contains numerous and necessary upgrades to services that our constituents rely on each and every day,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways & Means. “By enacting this legislation, we are ensuring that the Commonwealth will continue to provide those services in a timely and efficient manner, despite the lasting effects of COVID-19.”

“As we continue to confront challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the enactment of this bond bill to modernize our Commonwealth’s general government infrastructure and to invest in underserved populations is critically needed at this juncture,” stated Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Co-Chair, Joint Committee on Ways and Means. “Whether it’s empowering communities of color disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system or ensuring equitable access to remote learning opportunities for families in need, this bill reflects our commitment to work together during this public health crisis and deliver critical investments in a meaningful and timely way.”

“This bond bill provides over $1.5 billion in critical funding for library construction, public safety initiatives, food security programs, and technology upgrades throughout state and local government,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). “These are important investments that will allow Massachusetts to continue to address its infrastructure needs while also responding to the many challenges presented by the COVID-19 global pandemic.”

“House and Senate members made certain that the components of this legislation would have positive wide-ranging impacts for our residents over many key areas. We modernize the state’s economic, justice and education systems, harden our cybersecurity capabilities and combat food insecurity with farm and fisheries grants to make food supply channels more robust and connect those in need with food resources,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R – Gloucester).

“The funding allocated in this legislation will go a long way in helping our communities continue to grow and develop their information technology infrastructures,” said Senator John Velis (D-Westfield). “This bill represents the legislature’s commitment to investing in the services that our constituents rely on each and every day, and which have become increasingly important during this pandemic.”

The capital plan, which includes $794 million for state and local general technology and physical infrastructure, features the following targeted investments.

  • $110 million in public safety infrastructure and equipment
  • $134 million in statewide economic development grants and reinvestment in disproportionately impacted communities
  • $80 million in educational IT and infrastructure grants, including $50 million to assist public schools in facilitating remote learning environments
  • $10 million to fund technology investments at community health centers
  • $37 million in food security grants
  • $25 million in capital improvements for licensed early education and care providers and after school programs to ensure safe reopening during COVID-19
  • $30 million in public safety accountability technologies including body cameras and a race and ethnicity data sharing system

The legislation has been signed into law by the governor.

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Sheriff’s office, partners to hand out 2,000 filled backpacks to schoolchildren

August 20, 2020 – Daily Hampshire Gazette – Michael Connors

LUDLOW — As students across Holyoke prepare for a new school year, the Holyoke Safe Neighborhood Initiative will be handing out 2,000 backpacks filled with supplies to the city’s schoolchildren.

Unable to distribute the supplies at its traditional back-to-school event due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Holyoke Safe Neighborhood Initiative will instead hold 11 individual “grab-and-go” events at schools across Holyoke beginning this week and lasting until school begins in September. Dates and times for those events will be communicated to families by the individual schools as they are finalized, said Edward Caisse of the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, the director of the Holyoke Safe Neighborhood Initiative, which is overseen by the sheriff’s department.

……

State Sen. John Velis, D-Westfield, said that the supplies in the backpacks are “absolutely critical.”

“This right here, these books, these backpacks, this education, this is the key — this is the foundation to everything,” Velis said. “If you have an educated population … anything is possible.”

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Governor takes 1st step to renovate and expand Holyoke Soldiers’ Home: Calls for expedited planning and building

August 17, 2020 – MassLive – Jeanette DeForge

HOLYOKE – The state announced it has hired a Boston-based architecture firm to conduct a fast-tracked assessment that will be the first step in renovating or expanding the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home.

Payette, of Boston has been awarded a contract for the first phase of what is being called the “expedited capital project to reimagine the future of the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke.” The firm was given 12 weeks to complete a needs assessment and meet with stakeholders to discuss the improvements, according to a statement from Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito.

The company has been charged with identifying a “sustainable, public health-centered, implementation roadmap to provide significant upgrades to the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home,” the statement said.

……

State Sen. John Velis, D-Westfield, who has been a strong veterans advocate, applauded the decision to move forward with the plans and said he supported the idea of hiring Payette because of the firm’s experience with the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home.

“We need to make sure that there are appropriate infection control strategies in place for the rest of this pandemic,” he said. “We also need to make sure there are enough beds, resources and accomodations for the growing veteran population that will rely on the home years down the road.”

He called for the study to also look at what will be the needs of future generations of veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“In order for the home to be sustainable for years to come, the needs assessment has to be wide-ranging and comprehensive so that our veterans get the quality of care they deserve,” Velis said.

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Velis ‘proud’ to represent Southwick

June 29, 2020 – The Westfield News – Hope E. Tremblay

SOUTHWICK – State Sen. John C. Velis, D-Westfield, is “proud” to represent the town.

Velis met last week with the Southwick Select Board via Zoom to say hello and offer his assistance to the community.

“Since I was sworn-in, I have been going to all 11 cities and towns [in the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire Senate District] and checking in,” Velis said.

Velis, a Westfield native, said he has been a neighbor of Southwick his entire life and it was “an honor” to be representing the town in the Senate.

“I want you to view me as an allie,” he said. “Don’t hesitate to contact me.”

Velis said he plans to work closely with the Select Board.

“When local, federal and state government is working together, we get a lot more done,” he said.

Board members did not hesitate to immediately share some concerns about the Congamond Road project. Selectman Joseph Deedy said he would email Velis by the next morning with the issues facing the town with that project.

Selectman Russell S. Fox asked Velis where he stood on Chapter 90 funding, which is state money given to communities for road and infrastructure.

“We came in at $300 million,” Velis said of the Senate vote on Chapter 90 funding. “The House came in at $200 million.”

Velis said he hopes the Senate funding stands.

“It has been loud and clear where you’re coming from and I’m for the $300 million,” Velis said. “Chapter 90 is a big part of this ‘listening tour’.”

Velis said both Chapter 90 and Chapter 70, which is funding for schools, is a priority for the district.

Select Board chairman Douglas Moglin told Velis Southwick was voted the “best place to live in the Pioneer Valley” last year.

‘”We’re hoping to keep that moniker, with your help,” Moglin said.

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For first time in the city’s history, Pride flag flies at Westfield City Hall

June 26, 2020 – MassLive – Manon L. Mirabelli

WESTFIELD — It was a historic moment Friday morning when retired Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Justice John M. Greaney raised the Pride flag at city hall on the fifth anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

Greaney, a Westfield native and Saint Mary’s High School graduate, authored the concurring opinion in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health in 2003 in which he agreed with the majority opinion that denying couples the right to same-sex marriage was discrimination.

The ruling made Massachusetts the first state in the country to legalize same-sex marriage.

“This is one of the most momentous occasions in our history, and represents the progress we’ve made,” Greaney said Friday. “When we did this in 2003 I never thought it would sweep the nation the way it did.”

The flag raising saw city and state officials gather on the front lawn at City Hall to recognize the city’s LGBTQ community.

City Councilor Kristen Mello, an event organizer, said the decision to hold the flag raising came after the recent Black Lives Matter protest against racism and police brutality held on Park Square Green.

“Someone asked if it would be difficult to raise the flag, so we got together and created an event,” she said. “We didn’t know how quickly the project would come together.”

The event, held on the heels of a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling earlier this month barring LGBTQ discrimination in the workplace, was a joint venture between the newly formed Westfield Pride Alliance and city officials, including Mayor Donald F. Humason Jr. The mayor said he supported the flag raising and what it represents.

“Although we may all be different, it is our differences that make us stronger,” he said in his remarks.

Westfield Pride Alliance organizer Dennis Aikens hosted the event, and said the organization is the first-ever in the city. “The gay community wouldn’t be anywhere without its allies, without you,” he told the crowd.

Aikens said he attempted to have a Pride flag raising in the past, but it never came to fruition. He thanked Humason for supporting the cause.

“My brothers and sisters of color, gay, lesbians, and transgender people have been under an oppressive weight,” he said. “This is happening today under this mayor.”

Aikens, an advisor to state Sen. John Velis, D-Westfield, lauded the senator for seeking a deeper understanding of the LGBTQ community, the struggles it faces and the personalities behind the movement.

“I’m so proud he wanted an openly gay man as an adviser,” Aikens said. “Being a straight man who didn’t understand, John Velis asked me to explain our life difficulties. He is a warrior, a major in the United States Army. I knew in John Velis we would have a warrior working for us.”

Velis called the event “and absolutely awesome occasion” and spoke of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy in the military that banned openly gay service members until 2011.

“I thought it was an antiquated notion of humanity,” he said. “Every person should be proud that they are who they are and never run from that.”

Alexander Campurciani also spoke. He said that as a young, gay man of color, he wants to create a community action group to help gay people come out. He told the story of coming out to his father, who supported him. He also spoke of his difficulty in coming out while in high school.

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Velis secures $7.5 million for district roads

July 18, 2020 – The Westfield News – Hope E. Tremblay

BOSTON – Funding for Westfield, Southwick and surrounding communities was included in a $17 billion borrowing bill approved July 16 by the Sente for transportation and infrastructure improvements.

State Sen. John C. Velis, D-Westfield, helped secure $7.5 million for transportation projects in the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District, which is comprised of Agawam, Easthampton, Granville, Holyoke, Montgomery, Russell, Southampton, Southwick, Tolland, Westfield and part of Chicopee.

“At the end of the day, what matters most to me is being able to bring my work on Beacon Hill back home,” said Velis. “Advocating for our improvements to our roadways and transportation infrastructure will always be a major priority of mine, and I am proud that I was able to secure $7.5 million in the Senate Bond Bill for transportation projects across our cities and towns. I am thankful to all the local officials who worked with my office on this bill, and hope that the Governor now taps these projects to be included in his capital plan.”

The bill passed 36-4, with the Senate’s four-man Republican caucus voting in opposition. Explaining why he would not support the bill, Minority Leader Bruce Tarr cited the inclusion of a business-opposed provision to allow municipalities to increase local taxes and use the funding for transportation projects, reports Sam Doran of State House News Service. An amendment by Democrat Sen. Diana DiZoglio which would have struck that section was defeated 8-31. Sen. Susan Moran, who joined the Senate after a May special election, gave her inaugural speech on a successful amendment to add $350 million in funding toward replacement of the Bourne and Sagamore bridges. Also Thursday, the Senate and House worked in concert to send to Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk bills addressing mosquito control and take-out cocktails during the COVID-19 era.

Velis secured the following local funds:

$2.5mil for Northampton St./RT.5 in Holyoke

$870,000 for Greenway bikeway in Southampton

$600,000 for Congamond Road in Southwick

$1mil for roadway improvements in Westfield

$2.53 mil to be shared equally in Agawam, Easthampton, Granville, Montgomery and Russell for road improvements.

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Sen. John Velis hopes probe of Holyoke Soldiers’ Home COVID-19 disaster will help future generations of veterans

July 21, 2020 – MassLive – Stephanie Barry

State Sen. John Velis’ first listening session with family members of veterans who died of COVID-19 contracted at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke lasted for more than three hours on Friday.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house, according to the newly elected senator from Westfield — one of six Western Massachusetts legislators appointed to a legislative oversight committee investigating an apparent management failure at the long-term care facility when coronavirus overtook patients and staff in late March.

By June, 76 veterans had died and 84 survivors had tested positive for the virus, as did more than 80 staff members.

Gov. Charlie Baker commissioned an independent analysis on the matter by Boston attorney Mark Pearlstein. The former federal prosecutor conducted 100 interviews, delved into 114,000 pages of records and concluded ousted Soldiers’ Home Superintendent Bennett Walsh failed miserably along with his top clinical staff.

Walsh, fired the day the report was released in late June, argues state officials’ early criticisms were “outrageous.” His attorney has said publicly Walsh has been unfairly scapegoated.

Bennett has scheduled a news conference Thursday. He held another conference May 26, releasing a stack of emails between Walsh and state officials that appeared to debunk early accusations Walsh was trying to hide the outbreak. At that time, the death toll at the Soldiers’ Home continued to climb.

Pearlstein used words like “catastrophic” and “baffling” when assessing decisions top staff made during the early days of the crisis, also portraying state officials as checked out on the Soldiers’ Home until the crisis peaked.

Velis said families of veterans reported watching helplessly, and in horror, until they were prevented from visiting their loved ones altogether.

“The family members, more so than anybody, were there when all this was happening,” said Velis, a former state representative and combat veteran. “You don’t need a medical degree to make observations, and you better believe I’m going to bring those observations back to Boston.”

Velis was named to the Special Joint Oversight Committee on the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home along with Sen. James T. Welch of West Springfield and state Reps. Joseph Wagner of Chicopee, Michael Finn of West Springfield, Aaron Vega of Holyoke and Mindy Domb of Amherst. All are Democrats.

The western delegates will join 11 of their colleagues from eastern Massachusetts including Rep. Linda Dean-Campbell, D-Methuen, and Sen. Walter Timilty, D-Milton, who also head the legislature’s Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs.

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