john_velis

September 10, 2020September 10, 2020

100 Days In

(WESTFIELD – 9/10/2020)

This past week marked 100 days since I was sworn in as the State Senator for the 2^nd Hampden and Hampshire district. In reflecting back on these past months, I am grateful for the relationships I’ve made, the lessons I’ve learned, and the work we’ve already been able to accomplish, and I wanted to share some of these reflections with you all today.

Going from the State Representative for one city to the State Senator for 11 different communities is a huge change, and I have dedicated plenty of time to engaging with our district.

From Town meetings in Russell, Southampton and Tolland, to Selectboard meetings in Montgomery and Southwick, to one-one meetings with the Mayors of Agawam, Easthampton, and Holyoke, it is so important to me to me with the local officials in the communities I represent. I want to learn about all the different needs that my constituents face, and this has been a priority from day one.

I’ve met with community organizations and businesses in every town and city, and learned how I can best support them. I’ve met with law enforcement, fire departments, and health officials all over to better understand the challenges they face. I’ve met school administrators, teachers, and parents as we begin the new school year. And I’ve spent time helping out at Senior Centers, Food Pantries, Boys and Girls Clubs, and other non-profits throughout the district. Overall, I’ve tried to be as accessible as possible to my constituents, and had in-person and virtual meetings to talk about what’s on people’s minds and find out how I can help. Through all these experiences, I’ve begun to build relationships that will serve me and our district well.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected so many people, and it is undeniable that much of my work so far has been on helping communities and residents get the help they need right now. Whether it be assisting constituents with their access to unemployment benefits, sharing information about testing locations, or providing residents with food resources during this time, my office has done whatever it can to assist during these times. My staff and I are always here to help, no matter what the issue, and I’m proud that we have assisted over 100 constituents who were experiencing difficulties with State agencies since my time in office.

As far as committee work, I quickly received a leading seat on the Joint Committee on Labor & Workforce Development, where I am assistant Vice-Chair. I also currently sit on the Economic Development & Emerging Technologies Committee and the Mental Health, Substance Use & Recovery Committee.

The Senate has worked on many important bills during this time, and I’m proud to have been a part:

Health Care Legislation

The Senate has made major commitments to increasing access to health care during these difficult times, and one of my first votes was for the Patients First Act. This legislation builds on vital lessons learned during the COVID-19 public health crisis. This bill makes tele-health services permanently available, protects patients by ending the unfair practice of surprise billing, and requires healthcare providers to notify patients of a healthcare provider’s network status before non-emergency procedures. We’ve also empowered patients and providers by passing An Act Relative to Step Therapy and Patient Safety at the end of July. This legislation limits the use of step therapy, or ‘fail-first’ protocols, that often direct patients to less expensive medications rather than those more suitable to treat their condition. We’ve committed to protecting maternal health through licensing midwives, and created commissions to study racial inequalities in maternal health outcomes and perinatal substance use treatment. We’ve improved treatment of and care for stroke patients, by directing the Department of Public Health to annually review protocols to ensure stroke patients are transported to care facilities best equipped to treat them.

Education Legislation

We’ve also passed important education legislation during this time, including the Breakfast After the Bell Act that my colleague and friend Rep. Aaron Vega has worked so hard on. This legislation fights childhood hunger, by requiring all public K‑12 schools with 60% or more students eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the federal National School Lunch Program to offer breakfast after the instructional day begins. Improved student nutrition helps students succeed in the classroom, and research shows that programs that begin after the start of the day are much more successful in encouraging students to eat breakfast at school. We’ve also expanded higher education opportunities for people with disabilities by removing existing barriers for students with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders or other developmental disabilities so they can attend public institutions of higher education.

Funding Legislation

The State has passed strong Chapter 70 and Chapter 90 funding legislation for our communities during this time. An Act financing improvements to municipal roads and bridges was signed into law on July 2, 2020, and provides municipalities with vital funding for roads, bridges and infrastructure through Chapter 90 funding. It authorizes $1.5 billion for federally supported highway projects and a further $220 million for rail projects around the state

The State has also ensured stability for municipalities and schools as the COVID-19 crisis continues through a local aid and funding agreement for fiscal year 2021. The agreement commits to level funding for Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) for cities and towns. It also provides a $107 million increase over fiscal year 2020 in education aid that guarantees level funding for all districts and provide increases necessary to ensure that all districts meet their foundation budget.

COVID-19 Relief Legislation

As COVID-19 has changed our lives, it has pushed the legislature to change laws to help citizens and businesses adapt. The legislature has responded to these changes, and has passed bills extending the state income tax filing deadline, addressing disruptions in municipal tax collections, and allowing licensed restaurants more flexibility to sell alcoholic beverages with food take-out and delivery orders.

The Senate has passed also several major relief bills during these months, including the Endure Act and the COVID-19 Supplemental Budget. The Endure Act authorizes $455 million to communities to aid small businesses and workers, and stimulate economic development. Among other things, it includes $20 million for small business grants, $20 million for restaurants impacted by COVID-19, and $15 million for community college workforce programs. This legislation will provide major relief and support to our economy as we begin to recover from the financial consequences of COVID-19. The Supplemental Budget, which was recently signed into law by Governor Baker, is in direct response to COVID-19, and takes advantage of federal aid that Massachusetts will be receiving. It provides much needed aid to our State to combat this pandemic, including $350 million for PPE and $30 million for community health centers. Included in the final bill was my first piece of Senate legislation, an amendment earmarking $250,000 in funds for the Holyoke Soldiers Home.

Holyoke Soldiers Home

I’m extremely proud that my first Senate filing was to secure funds for the Soldiers Home. As a veteran, I spent plenty of time at the Home before these tragedies, and as the Senator now representing the Home, I have made advocating for the facility and its residents one of my top priorities. One of the very first things I did was to reach out to the families of those who lost loved ones and hold listening sessions for them to speak directly to me. Their stories are heartbreaking, and have pushed me to work tirelessly to make sure that what happened can never happen again. My staff and I are on weekly calls with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the staff at the Home where I receive updates on residents and current testing numbers. In addition to listening sessions with families, I have worked alongside community stakeholders and advocates, and had conversations with the Department of Veterans Services and the Governors administration on how to improve the Home and its funding.

Some of you may know that I was also named to the Legislature’s Oversight Committee that will be making recommendations for how the Home should look moving forward. Currently, the architecture firm Payette has been tasked with creating a needs assessment of the facility. The firm has experience with the Soldiers Home, and with VA design requirements. During this work, it is critical that Payette fully engages with all stakeholders, and takes into account both the immediate and long-term needs of the Home. The next generation of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, of which the fastest growing group is women, will rely on the Home for years to come. They will have different needs, and we need the Home to adapt to provide the necessary accommodations, including mental health and substance abuse resources. It is crucial that this future generation is taken into account so that the Home can be sustainable in the long-run.

Advocating for the District

I’ve also been proud to advocate for our district in the Senate in a number of different ways. In recent Bond Bills, I have pushed for infrastructure upgrades to Public Safety Departments, and increased funding for our communities. In these bond bills, I have had numerous amendments adopted, including $450,000 for Broadband Expansion in Granville, Montgomery, Tolland and Russell, and $7.5 million for transportation projects across our district. While bond bills still have to be authorized by the Governor, I am proud to advocate for projects that will improve the quality of life in our district whenever possible. I have called for increased COVID-19 testing capabilities for our communities alongside my Western Mass Colleagues, and am glad that State testing is now available at no cost in Agawam and Holyoke. I still hope to see more testing expanded to Hampshire County, and recently signed onto a letter urging for just that alongside legislators from the County.

Being in the Senate is a change from the House, and I’ve learned a lot in these few months. One thing that has not changed though, is my duty to you all. I am looking forward to continuing my legislative work, to continuing my outreach to the communities I serve, and to continuing to advocate for the needs of all my constituents.

Be safe, and stay well.

John C. Velis

*Senator John Velis being sworn in by Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito at the end of May*

September 8, 2020

September 6th, 2020 – Weekly Update

Hello everyone!

I feel like I was all over the district this week for different events and meetings, both in-person and virtually, as I continue to hear from people in our communities. COVID-19 has affected our lives in so many different ways, and the economic and public health challenges we face moving forward are clear. One area that I don’t think is being talked about enough is the effect this pandemic has had on mental health and those struggling with substance use disorders. These are issues we cannot ignore, and I believe this pandemic has put even more pressure on those struggling with mental health and addiction. That is why in the coming weeks, I will be putting together a group of relevant stakeholders and health experts, to hold conversations about these issues and discuss how we can help those struggling in our communities moving forward. If you are interested in participating, please reach out to me.

I began my Monday by having a meeting over phone with Lynn Clark, the Superintendent of Schools in Chicopee. Chicopee will begin school in a hybrid model starting on September 15^th, and we will be monitoring all school systems in our district as the year begins. Shortly after this call, my staff and I had a very informative meeting with the MassDOT Highway Division. We went over a number of projects that are being planned around our district, including the Route 10/202 (Southwick Rd.) bridge replacement project in Westfield. This project will realign Southwick Rd/South Maple St. to provide a softer curve and improve the intersections of City View and Mill, and will include Northbound left turn lanes and buffered bike lines. I will keep pushing for these projects in our district that will greatly improve quality of life for our residents. I wrapped up my Monday by having a meeting with ROCA, a non-profit organization that focuses on helping high-risk young men and young mothers in our communities through a 4 year intervention model. They focus on outreach and building relationships with young people, and help them get the resources they need to maintain jobs and stay out of dangerous situations.

Tuesday morning I headed over to the 104th Fighter Wing to meet with Mayor Humason and Wing Commander Col. William T. Bladen. As the third largest employer for our local economy I look forward to these continued conversations, as it is vital we keep our jobs growing. Later Tuesday afternoon, I had a meeting with John Bowen of the Westfield Planning Board, where a lot of our focus was on the Westfield Bike and Levee Project.

Wednesday was all Agawam! I began the day by having a meeting with the Agawam Housing Authority, where I learned more about the different residencies in Agawam and all the different resources they provide. I then joined the Agawam Council on Aging at the Senior Center to pass out lunches to constituents who came by. Later that afternoon, I had an introductory meeting with Peter Carmichael from Six Flags New England about the current state of affairs for the park and how their employees are doing, many of whom reside in Agawam and all over our district.

I began Thursday morning with some coffee with constituents at Circuit Coffee in Westfield. Speaking directly to constituents, and hearing what is on their mind is my favorite part of the job, and I pride my office on being as accessible as possible to you all. Shortly after, I headed over to Easthampton to tour and talk to some local businesses alongside City Councilor Owen Zaret. We started off at Tandem Bagel Company, and hit a bunch of businesses on Cottage Street, including Wedge Works Art & Home and The Water’s Fine Goods and Coffee. I fully understand the decimating impact that COVID-19 has had on our economy, and I will continue to talk to small businesses and help wherever I can. I’m grateful to Council Zaret for showing me around, and we stopped by the Easthampton Fire Department to talk with Chief Norris as well. I finished the day in Westfield, where I met with some more constituents, MassDOT, and City Officials to continue to listen in on the conversations surrounding the Westfield Bike and Levee Project.

Friday Morning started with a meeting with Western Mass Housing first, and other local community partners, where we discussed housing and food insecurity issues in our communities. Shortly after this meeting, I joined State Representative Aaron Vega for lunch at the Crave Food Truck in Holyoke. Rep. Vega will be finishing up his time in the legislature this session, and while I will deeply miss our collaboration, I know that our friendship will continue on. Post lunch, Rep. Vega and I met with Damien Cote, Holyoke’s Building Commissioner to discuss building regulations and legislation. I then drove over to Granville, where I was proud to present a Senate Citation to Cooley Buy, and her company for their new business opening! Their new store at 66 Granby Road is a renovation of an old barn, and promotes local artists work such as pottery, woodworking, textiles, and glasswork. I encourage you all to check them out.

While this week was busy traveling across the district, I was able to pause for a moment to pay my respects and express my condolences to the loved ones of two incredible members of the Westfield community that we lost this week, Brian Hoose and John Knapik. Their dedication and advocacy to our community was known far and wide, and they will be greatly missed.

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, and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.

Sincerely,

John C. Velis

Senator Velis with Easthampton City Councilor Owen Zaret and Fire Chief Norris

Senator Velis visiting The Water’s Fine Goods & Coffee in Easthampton

Cooley & Company, a new store showcasing local artists work at 66 Granby Rd. in Granville

Senator Velis presenting Cooley Buy of Cooley & Company, with a Senate citation celebrating the opening

August 31, 2020

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

August 26, 2020August 26, 2020

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.

August 26, 2020August 28, 2020

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.”

August 26, 2020August 26, 2020

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.

August 25, 2020

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.”

August 25, 2020

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.

August 25, 2020August 25, 2020

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 2^nd 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.

August 25, 2020August 25, 2020

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.