Category: COVID-19

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May 2nd, 2021 – Weekly Update

Happy May Everyone,

We had a big week over here in the State Senate.  I’m very proud to announce that the Bond Bill to fund the reconstruction of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home passed the Senate.  After months of working tirelessly with staff, family, and residents, this is a huge step towards creating a new Home where we can care for our veterans with the dignity they deserve.  The bill still hasn’t been signed into law yet , but I’m hopeful and will continue to work relentlessly to push this through. 

Apart from the preparation for the Bond Bill, I was able to still get out into the community and meet with some constituents this week.  On Monday, I took a meeting with the 509 chapter of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).  As the Vice-Chairman of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities, I look forward to working with them on policy in the future.

I also met with Westfield State University’s student government this week to provide them with my annual update about the State Legislature.  I’m very proud to have Westfield State in my district.  These students are going to be our next generation of leaders and I’m always to happy to talk to them about what’s going on in the Legislature.

I was also able to tour another one of my favorite places in Westfield this week, the Boys and Girls Club.  I, alongside State Senator Lesser from Springfield and Representative Pease from Westfield, toured their new addition.  We also toured their new kitchen which has been vital during the course of this pandemic.  We’re lucky to have such a hardworking and dedicated staff at our local Boys and Girls’ Club. 

Also congratulations is in order for Miren Neyran Alcantara from Holyoke Community College and Miranda Kamukala of Springfield Technical Community College, two constituents of mine who are being celebrated this week by the Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges for being some of the highest academic achievers in our state’s entire Community College System! Both were named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-Massachusetts Academic Team for their outstanding academic achievement and student service. The community colleges in our region have some truly incredible students and congratulations to both on their achievements.

This Sunday marks Easter in the Greek Orthodox church!  My family and I are very proud of our Greek heritage and faith.  I’m very excited to be able to celebrate with them and I hope that as we move out of the pandemic, gatherings like this become more and more common.  στην υγειά μας!

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

As always, if there is anything I can do to assist you, please never hesitate to reach out to my office.  I can be reached at my email: john.velis@masenate.gov or by phone: (413) 572-3920 and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.

Sincerely,

John Velis

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Massachusetts Senate Advances Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Bond Bill

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Velis Small Business Bills Referred to Committee

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Senate Passes Comprehensive Unemployment and Business Support Bill

Comprehensive bill includes COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave, updates to Unemployment Insurance and Paycheck Protection Program loans, extends tax filing deadline.

(BOSTON–03/19/21) Ten weeks after Senate President Karen E. Spilka promised swift action on COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave, the Massachusetts State Senate passed a comprehensive bill that would guarantee five paid days off for every employee in the Commonwealth. The bill also seeks to stabilize the state’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) trust fund, provides substantial tax relief to businesses and workers, and delays the state tax filing deadline.

“In January, I declared that we must act quickly to provide our workers with COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave, and today the Senate has delivered on that promise,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I am proud of the collaboration that brought about this agreement, which will provide needed relief for both businesses and workers. As we continue to recover from the COVID-19 emergency, these measures will provide stability to our economy, and keep workers safe.”

“As we slowly emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, I am proud of the collective action taken by the Senate and House to pass this comprehensive bill that strikes a balance to help businesses, workers, and jumpstart an equitable recovery for our Commonwealth,” stated Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “With more people getting vaccinated by the day, and our economy re-opening, this bill will bring much needed relief to small businesses, keep our essential front line workers safe, and target tax relief to lift up low-income families who lost jobs during this pandemic. Time is of the essence, so I look forward to this comprehensive relief package becoming law.”

“This bill provides critical support for the many businesses and residents who have continued to struggle financially during this pandemic,” said Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield). “The changes to unemployment insurance, PPP loan tax status, and the tax filing deadline will provide much needed stability and flexibility during an incredibly stressful time,”

To help protect employees on the front lines, and prevent the further spread of COVID-19, this bill ensures that all workers in Massachusetts have access to paid leave if they are unable to work as a result of a COVID-19 infection or a quarantine order. Significantly, given the state’s push to increase vaccination rates, employees will be able to use this paid leave time to take time off to receive the vaccine. In addition, the legislation provides for leave if the worker needs time to care for a family member unable to work because of COVID.

Under this legislation, employees are eligible for up to five days of paid leave, at their regular rate of pay, capped at $850 per week—which is the same maximum weekly benefit provided for in the Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) law. Employers covered by federal legislation providing for paid leave will have the cost of providing such leave paid for through the federal tax credit. For all other employers, the bill creates a $75 million COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave Fund to reimburse eligible employers for providing their employees with emergency paid sick leave. The state requirement for paid leave would extend until September 30, 2021 or until the fund is exhausted.

The COVID-19 public health crisis has created a surge of pandemic-related unemployment claims, which has depleted the Commonwealth’s unemployment trust fund, necessitating borrowing from the federal government to pay out those benefits. The bill therefore authorizes up to $7 billion worth of borrowing to replenish the UI trust fund and to repay all federal UI loans, funded by an employer charge, and creates a separate time-limited employer assessment to repay interest on federal UI loans by their due dates to ensure the solvency of the UI trust fund.

The Senate accepted an amendment from Senator Patricia D. Jehlen (D-Somerville) to establish a commission on the solvency of the UI trust fund to pursue long-term solutions for solvency. The commission convenes a balance of business and advocacy interests with the Chairs of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce to report on changes required to ensure a solvent trust fund.

The bill also provides much-needed UI-related relief to businesses and employees. For businesses, the bill prevents increases in the UI rate schedule for 2021 and 2022, providing employers with needed stability and relief as the Commonwealth continues to recover. For unemployed workers, some navigating the UI system for the first time, the bill waives tax penalties on UI benefits in 2020 and 2021. It also mirrors federal tax provisions included in the recent American Rescue Plan and excludes $10,200 of unemployment compensation received by an individual with a household income of less than 200% of the federal poverty level from gross income for tax purposes, putting up to $500 into the hands of lower income unemployed individuals. This would apply to individuals making $25,760 or under, or a total income of $53,000 for a family of four.

Further relief for businesses comes in the form of a change in state tax policy regarding PPP loans. In Massachusetts, corporate excise, but not personal income tax, is tied to the current federal Internal Revenue Code. As a result, Massachusetts’ tax law treats forgiven Paycheck Protection Program loans differently depending on whether the recipient small businesses is organized as a pass-through entity or a c-corp. This bill conforms to federal law and ensures that all forgiven PPP loans, advance Economic Injury Disaster Loans and payments made under the federal Small Business Debt Relief are excluded from gross income, regardless of how the business is organized.

“With the tax filing season upon us, the inclusion of language from my PPP loan forgiveness bill will ensure that thousands of businesses won’t be hit hard with a significant, potentially insurmountable, tax burden amidst the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated Senator Eric P. Lesser (D-Longmeadow), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. “Over 140,000 businesses across the Commonwealth have received Paycheck Protection Program loans from the Small Business Administration, and have been asked to be patient, flexible, and resilient in order to keep their lights on. It’s unfair for our state to hit them with an unexpected tax. This is a critical measure for speedy economic recovery.”

Finally, to align state tax deadlines with federal tax deadlines, the bill extends the Commonwealth’s tax filing deadline from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021. This tax flexibility, similar to a delay authorized last year by the Legislature, will provide stability and ensure residents have time to prepare and file taxes as the state continues to weather the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bill now goes to the House for further action.

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March 7, 2021 – Weekly Update

Happy March Everyone, 

Now that spring has begun and we can be outside for longer than fifteen minutes, I’m looking forward to some more outdoor events in the community.   

On Tuesday I presented two Senate citations to members of our medical community,  one to Physicians’ Assistant Kenzi Holden and the other to Doctor Sarah O’Shea.  During the onset of the pandemic, these two went above and beyond for their clinic, routinely seeing more than twenty patients a day and almost completely giving up time with their families in order to best protect their patients.  The Commonwealth is lucky  have them working in our healthcare system.   

Thursday, I attended the Baystate’s COVID-19 legislative update alongside other legislators from Western Mass.  Members of both the public sector and Baystate staff discussed the many issues facing healthcare workers right now, chief amongst them being lack of vaccine supply.  Positive test rates are–thankfully–starting to drop across the Commonwealth.  However, there are still miles ahead of us and I urge everyone to continue to taken proper precautions.   

Later on Thursday I visited the State Police headquarters in Framingham to discuss public safety in the Commonwealth and projects that they are co-opting with the Department of Homeland Security on.  I also toured the Massachusetts Fusion Center, which is the operational hub of the Commonwealth’s homeland security efforts.  The work these agencies are doing to is paramount to keeping the Commonwealth safe and I look forward to working with them to determine how the Massachusetts legislature can best aid them in their duties.   

To finish the week, I sat in on a roundtable for the Connecticut Valley Superintendents.  This group is comprised of superintendents from Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin counties as well as officials from local universities and community colleges.  Educational institutions have already been left reeling by the pandemic.  From declining enrollment to the more intangible learning loss, the complex ways in which schools have been changed will be felt for years if not decades to come. The state legislature needs to be prepared to aid however it can and I will continue to support strong funding for our public school systems in the state budget.  

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

As always, if there is anything I can do to assist you, please never hesitate to reach out to my office.  I can be reached at my email: john.velis@masenate.gov or by phone: (413) 572-3920 and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com. 

Sincerely,  

John Velis 

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Velis one of twenty legislators across the country to be selected for opioid fellowship

(BOSTON 3/4/2021) – Last week the National Conference of State Legislatures announced that they had selected twenty state legislators from across the country to participate in their 2021 Opioid Policy Fellows Program. Among those selected was Senator John Velis (D-Westfield). Prior to his selection and the application process, Senator Velis had been nominated for the fellowship program by Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland).  

“Recovery—and the struggles of addiction—are issues that I personally understand and want to positively impact,” said Senator Velis, who is Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery. “I believe one of the long-lasting impacts of this pandemic is going to be the negative effect this period of isolation and stress has had on those suffering with mental health disorders and substance abuse. For many people these two issues are co-occurring, and I’m looking forward to learning more about what we can institute here in Massachusetts to help address these problems.” 

The program is designed for legislators who are emerging leaders in opioid and substance use disorder issues and is supported by health professionals, addiction experts, and policy specialists. The fellowship will include a series of seminars and conferences that focus on policies to prevent, intervene and treat opioid misuse, addiction and overdose. The program will also address the intersections of opioid use with mental health, maternal and pediatric health, human services, and criminal justice.  

“This is a unique opportunity to learn directly from those who have been studying issues of opioid addiction and substance use disorders for years,” said Senator Velis. “In addition to speaking with subject matter experts, this is also a chance to learn about innovative programs that other states have implemented that we here in Massachusetts might be missing out on. This is all about taking those best practices and policies that are out there and figuring out how we can implement them here in the Commonwealth to help save lives.” 

“So much of our world has changed due to the ongoing pandemic, and that includes how to best offer assistance to those with addiction and substance use disorders,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Senator Velis has been a longtime advocate for those in the recovery community and it’s for that reason I was thrilled to nominate him for NCSL’s 2021 Opioid Policy Fellow Program and congratulate him on his selection. I look forward to him sharing with the Senate more about his experience so that we can continue to build on our progress to help those most in need as they continue to recover.” 

Senator Velis was appointed Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery last month. The Chair of the Committee is Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro). 

“We always make better policy when we bring our most real vulnerable experiences to this work. I have much admiration for Senator Velis’ decision to share his own journey through addiction and use it to inform how we go about helping others,” said Senator Cyr. “Our committee work will benefit from his pursuit of further study on opioid policy.” 

The first conference for the program will be held virtually on the weekend of March 26th. There will be a series of shorter virtual webinars throughout the later spring and summer, and organizers hope to hold a second weekend conference in person in September.  

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February 21, 2021 – Weekly Update

Hello Everyone, 

I hope you’re all doing well. I know many of you reached out to my office this week regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, especially on Thursday when the appointment website went down. This is completely unacceptable, and the system absolutely has to be improved.   

When individuals 65+ and those with 2+ comorbidities became eligible to book appointments this week, over a million new people became eligible. The state received just over 110,000 doses from the federal government this past week, and we simply do not have the vaccines at this time for everyone to get an appointment immediately. That being said, it should not be this difficult to access the site, book an appointment, and get clear information. Although Governor Baker is unilaterally overseeing the vaccine rollout and vaccination locations, I will continue to communicate these issues and advocate for improvements. Next week, the Legislature will be holding a public, livestreamed oversight hearing on Thursday to hear directly from Administration officials on the rollout of the vaccine process and the website itself. We expect answers from those responsible for this failure and a better system must be delivered for our residents.  

This Friday marked the official end of “bill filing” season.  After weeks of requests, research, and revisions, my staff and I are excited to announce all the bills that we’ve filed in the Senate so far. I will still have the ability to file bills through the entire two-year session, but submitting by this deadline ensures that they will be heard by a committee promptly. 

I’m also excited to announce that for this upcoming Legislative session, I will be the Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities as well as the Vice-Chair of  the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Recovery.  As a veteran, I’m especially proud to announce my Chairmanship of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs.  All of these are policy areas that I’m passionate about and I’m very much looking forward to a productive Legislative session.   

As a part of the bill filing process, my staff and I have been taking meetings with many constituents and experts regarding issues facing the Commonwealth.  Among those meetings I took this week, one that stands out is the meeting I had with Maryanne Frangules, the founder of the Massachusetts Organization of Addiction Recovery (MOAR).  We discussed how COVID-19 has exacerbated difficulties for those suffering from addiction and how the Legislature and especially my new position as Vice-Chairmanship of  the Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Recovery can best help them in the upcoming session.   

Thursday morning, I met with the Western Mass Legislative delegation to discuss how Baystate’s pending consolidation of psychiatric beds in the region and Holyoke Medical Center’s acquisition of Providence Behavior Health Hospital will affect the area.  As always, we will work with our partners in both the Legislature and in the private sector to insure the best possible outcome for the patients of Western Mass.   

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

As always, if there is anything I can do to assist you, please never hesitate to reach out to my office.  I can be reached at my email: john.velis@masenate.gov or by phone: (413) 572-3920 and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com. 

Sincerely,  

John Velis 

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January 31, 2021 – Weekly Update

Hello Everyone,  

Hard to believe we’re already at the end of January! 2021 is moving along and I hope this new year has been good to you all so far. This week I had several meetings regarding potential legislation to file in this new session, as well as the COVID-19 vaccine distribution process. 

 On Monday morning I met with Dave Cruise, President and CEO of the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board. We had a informative conversation about companies and businesses in our district and how the Legislature can support them. Monday afternoon I sat down with Mayor Humason and Representative Pease to talk about our legislative priorities and how we can work together to benefit the City of Westfield.  

On Tuesday I met with Westfield City Councilor Kristen Mello and other community members to discuss PFAS and a new potential study that would look at the impact of the contamination in food sources across the state.  

This week my staff and I also met virtually with representatives from the U.S. Department of Defense to talk about potential legislation for Veterans and active military members in the Commonwealth. While I will be refiling several pieces of Veterans affairs legislation from my time in the House, I have a few new interesting initiatives I will be pursuing as well.  

Earlier this week, the Baker Administration announced that individuals who are 75+ years old can begin to book appointments through mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine to receive the COVID-19 vaccine when Phase 2 begins on February 1st. I have heard from many constituents this week about the difficulty and confusion of signing up for a vaccine appointment on the site. While the Governor is unilaterally overseeing the vaccination distribution, my office has been communicating with the Administration frequently to make our concerns clear.  

This week I co-sponsored legislation to greatly improve the current vaccination booking process. SD300, An Act streamlining COVID-19 vaccination sign-up in Massachusetts, directs the Department of Public Health to immediately establish an accessible, one-stop online sign-up for COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as a 24/7 phone hotline in multiple languages. Ensuring access to the vaccine is crucial to recovering as a Commonwealth.  

Last week several of my colleagues and I also sent a letter to Governor Baker asking for increased vaccination preparations in Hampden County, and I am glad that Eastfield Mall in Springfield will now be a mass vaccination site. I will continue to advocate to improve the vaccination process however I can, and my staff is available to assist with any questions or concerns you may. In addition, I will be sending out COVID email updates as new information becomes available. You can sign up to receive them at senatorjohnvelis.com/covid-19-updates/ 

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 

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Velis Calls for Centralized Booking for Vaccine Registration, Co-Sponsors Bill to Improve System

(Boston 1/28/2020) Today Senator John Velis co-sponsored legislation with Senator Eric Lesser to improve the COVID-19 vaccination sign-up system in Massachusetts. The bill, An Act streamlining COVID-19 vaccination sign-up in Massachusetts, has been filed as an emergency law and would take effect immediately if passed and signed by the Governor.  

“I have heard from so many constituents that they have been unable to sign up for vaccine appointments. With each vaccination location utilizing a different booking system, the process is too difficult and flat out confusing, especially for older individuals who might have trouble using the internet to begin with” said Senator Velis. “A centralized system must be implemented, so that Massachusetts residents can easily sign up for vaccine appointments as they become available.” 

Earlier this week, the Baker Administration announced that the first priority group in Phase 2 (individuals who are 75+ years old) may begin to book appointments to receive the vaccine on February 1st and beyond. The Administration also announced several new vaccination sites across the state and released information on how to sign up for an appointment. 

Currently, eligible residents must first find a vaccination site near them on the state’s COVID-19 vaccine website and then book an appointment through that location’s appointment system. With each location having a different system, many Massachusetts residents have reported difficulty in finding appointments. 

The bill directs the Department of Public Health to immediately establish an accessible, one-stop online sign-up for COVID-19 vaccinations for both desktop computer and mobile phones. It also requires the immediate implementation of a phone hotline in multiple languages, to be staffed 24/7, and directs the Department of Public Health to notify residents of these streamlined options for vaccination sign up using a text-based notification system, such as “AlertsMA”. 

“We need a clearer system here, we need more resources for residents who have difficulty with websites like these,” said Senator Velis. “We all understand that the vaccination output is lagging behind the demand right now, but we need more clarity for our residents and this legislation will greatly improve the current system.”  

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‘We never received that request’: General says Massachusetts National Guard was initially unaware of rising death toll at Holyoke Soldiers’ Home

January 21st, 2020 – Stephanie Barry – MassLive, Photos by Sam Doran (State House News Service)

HOLYOKE — Ten months after the coronavirus tore through the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, the head of the state’s National Guard contingent testified before a legislative oversight committee that he never received a call for help from the facility when the disease took hold in March.

Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, adjutant general of the Massachusetts National Guard and the new chairman of the Soldiers’ Home board of trustees, said he and 102 members of the guard arrived at the home late that month, when veterans began dying at an alarming rate, encountering carnage many staff have since recounted to a litany of investigators.

…

Sen. John Velis, D-Westfield, a committee member and combat veteran who has emerged as an advocate for the facility and families of veterans, challenged Sudders on the hierarchy that includes the Department of Veterans Services.

He pointed to a blistering report commissioned by Baker and authored by Boston attorney Mark Pearlstein that heaped blame for the death toll on upper management at the Soldiers’ Home and middle management for the state.

“Does it make sense to have that added layer of bureaucracy?” Velis asked Sudders. “The more people you have in that chain of command, the more instances of potential breakdown.”

Sudders stood behind the chain of command and highlighted the hasty reforms the state is pursuing, including a “refresh” of the Holyoke facility, staffing changes and a sprint toward a new, state-of-the-art home with a $300 million price tag.

Some of Sudders’ own testimony suggested she was unfamiliar with the culture at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home until the crisis, including haphazard staffing.

“I was frankly stunned that there wasn’t a permanent schedule at the home,” Sudders testified, referring to staffing plans, though she maintained the levels were “adequate.”

Velis suggested Walsh’s call for help may have gotten lost in the tangled chain of command. In response to a request for comment, a spokeswoman for Sudders referred to a page in the Pearlstein report that concluded the call for the National Guard came to a halt with former Veterans’ Services Secretary Francisco Urena, whom Walsh emailed directly. Two days later, the cavalry arrived when other state leaders got wind of the magnitude of the crisis, the report says.

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