(BOSTON – 10/26/2020) The Massachusetts State Senate and House of Representatives passed An Act relative to additional unemployment benefits for the neediest recipients currently excluded from the Lost Wages Assistance program today, filed less than two weeks ago by Sens. Jehlen and Lesser. The bill would enhance unemployment benefits for 17,000 people in Massachusetts by as much as $1800 each. Thousands of people were left out of the Lost Wages Assistance Grant to extend $300 weekly payment boosts to people collecting unemployment benefits by a restrictive Trump Administration rule.
“This legislation will make the necessary changes to make sure people with less than $100 in weekly benefits receive that $1800 in added income,” said Senator Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville). “Just last week I heard from a neighbor and constituent who was short $2 in his weekly benefit to receive the $1800 in Lost Wages Assistance. The state investment in raising the minimum benefit will bring $31million to Massachusetts residents for rent, for food and other expenses.”
“The Senate is laser focused on assisting those most in need, especially as we continue to tackle the dueling challenges posed by the global pandemic and economic crisis,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This legislation speaks to that commitment and will help assist residents in obtaining lost wages as a result of the ongoing public health emergency. I would like to thank Senators Pat Jehlen, Eric Lesser and Michael Rodrigues, as well as Speaker Robert DeLeo and his colleagues for working to quickly usher this bill to the governor’s desk.”
“This boost to unemployment compensation for those affected by the Trump Administration rule is a critical measure to alleviate unnecessary hardship for 17,000 of the most vulnerable people across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Eric Lesser (D-Longmeadow). “I am proud of this bill’s swift passage and hope that Governor Baker quickly signs off to give people the ability to purchase food, pay their rent, and stay warm as we head into colder weather.”
The bill first went through the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development before making it to the Senate floor for a vote. Senator John Velis (D-Westfield) sits on this committee and stressed the importance of meeting the needs of those who are struggling.
“This bill will have a tangible impact on those who are really hurting from the effects of this pandemic,” said Senator Velis. “Many people have been unable to get these additional federal funds from the LWA program, and this legislation will fix that issue and ensure that those in our community are getting the benefits that they need. I’m grateful to my colleagues in the legislature who have led on this. “
In August, the Federal Emergency Management Agency began accepting applications for the Lost Wages Assistance program. The Trump White House included a restriction that banned people receiving less than $100 a week in benefits from receiving the LWA boost of $300 a week.
Massachusetts was approved for 6 weeks of LWA compensation for every eligible recipient, covering the weeks ending August 1 to September 5. Numerous states acted to increase weekly benefit amounts, including neighboring RI and NH, so that no recipient of unemployment would be left out of receiving the boost. Over 100 legislators wrote on September 24 to Secretary Rosalin Acosta to ask the state to implement a similar increase in weekly benefit amounts for Massachusetts recipients.
In discussions with the legislature, the Baker-Polito administration has indicated that with a small investment of state dollars to increase base benefits retroactively, up to $31M could be returned to the state from the FEMA program. The Department of Unemployment Assistance has been negotiating with FEMA since the legislators issued their request. In an answer legislators received, FEMA advised: “It is possible to make an individual an eligible claimant for LWA from the week ending August 1, 2020, if they are monetarily eligible for at least a $100 weekly benefit amount…”
The legislation will authorize the Baker-Polito Administration to implement an increase to unemployment compensation for every recipient in Massachusetts not receiving at least $100 in weekly benefits. This enhancement would be applied retroactively to roughly 17,000 recipients.
Update 10/28/2020 – Governor Baker has signed this bill into law.
October 27, 2020 – MassLive/The Republican – Stephanie Barry, Photo by Don Treeger
HOLYOKE — The second hearing before a legislative oversight committee on the COVID-19 crisis at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke is set to highlight accounts from staff who cared for sick and dying patients during the outbreak.
The hearing Tuesday at Holyoke Community College comes a week after an initial, in-person hearing largely featuring families of veterans. They testified about fathers and husbands who were sickened by or succumbed to the virus as the state-run nursing home for veterans reportedly descended into chaos.
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State Sen. John Velis, D-Westfield, represents a district that includes Holyoke and is a veteran himself. He said he and his staff have mulled feedback he received in “listening sessions” with families over the summer and the first round of hearings.
Velis said he plans to press witnesses on Tuesday about the need for an ombudsman to act as conduit between the veterans and their families and the staff and administrators of the Soldiers’ Home.
“Families and residents need an independent, impartial and confidential person to talk to when things come up,” Velis said. “An ombudsman would be that independent watchdog on the ground who investigates issues when they arise.”
On Thursday the Massachusetts State Senate adopted a resolution to support the assignment of F-35A fighter jets to the National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing in the City of Westfield. The resolution, which was filed by Senate President Karen Spilka and adopted unanimously, was directed towards U.S. Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett and Major General Gary Keefe, the State Adjutant General.
The resolution noted that the “assigned F-15C aircraft will meet the end of its service life within the decade, requiring 104th Fighter Wing to convert to the next generation of fighter aircraft to sustain its relevance in the national defense strategy and the continued vitality of Barnes Air National Guard Base.”
Senator John Velis, who represents Westfield, was among those in support of the resolution. Last month, Velis sent his own letter to Secretary Barrett to express his support for the 104th Fighter Wing to be selected to receive the F-35A assignment.
“In that letter I noted some of the key reasons why the 104th is so uniquely poised for these F-35As. The accomplished legacy of the Wing, the strategic and optimal location between major metropolitan cities and our Eastern Seaboard, the high caliber level of guardsmen and training… these are all things I mentioned and are clear indications in my mind that the 104th Fighter Wing should be selected,” said Velis. “It’s phenomenal to have the support of the entire State Senate on this, and I couldn’t be happier to see this resolution get adopted today.”
Senator Velis also noted the great impact that this would have on the future of the base and the overall benefits this investment would bring to the City of Westfield. “The 104th Fighter Wing is one of the most respected Fighter Wings in the Combat Air Forces and one of the oldest flying units in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Going through this airframe conversion will allow the Fighter Wing to operate through 2070.” said Velis. “The benefits that the Fighter Wing brings to our local economy and community are known far and wide, and this investment would just be so great for our long-term stability.”
Currently, the 104th Fighter Wing is in consideration for the F-35A, and are awaiting notification for an Air Combat Command led site survey. After the completion of the site survey, the Secretary of the Air Force will likely select Preferred and Reasonable Alternative locations by the end of the winter. The final decision for basing is anticipated in summer 2021.
October 10, 2020 – The Westfield News – The Westfield Newsroom
BOSTON – Before state Sen. John C. Velis won his election to the Massachusetts State Senate on May 19 of this year, he served as state representative for the 4th Hampden district in the House of Representatives since 2014. In his time in the house, he was widely known for having one of the most bi-partisan and independent records in the state legislature, and frequently voted across party lines.
Velis has carried his independent record from the House to the Senate, and in the fourth months since being sworn in, he has crossed party lines several times. In his four months in office, there have been 96 roll call votes in the Senate on either a bill or an amendment. Of those 96 votes, 16 have been contested with 15 being split on party lines. Of those 15 votes split on party lines, Velis has crossed over to vote with the Republican delegation 10 times. The remaining 80 votes were either unanimous, where Republicans and Democrats voted together, unanimous except for one legislator, or related to procedural matters.
When asked about this pattern, Velis stressed the importance of viewing a piece of legislation on its merits, not by what political party brings it forward: “When I am voting on a bill or amendment, I am always thinking of what the legislation will actually accomplish and what is best for my constituents and our district,” said Velis. “My job is not to simply follow what others in my political party are doing, and I firmly believe that both a Republican and a Democrat are capable of coming up with a good idea.”
The 15 roll call votes in question covered a variety of different issues, from mail-in voting processes, to police reform, to transportation funding. One of the more contentious votes was on amendment #230 in Senate Bill 2813 – An Act Authorizing Accelerating Transportation Investment. This amendment would have removed a provision from the bill that enables local and regional transportation ballot initiatives for imposition of tax surcharges. This is more commonly known as an override of Proposition 2 and ½. Velis was one of only four Democrats to cross over and vote with the Republican delegation for this amendment, which would have protected cities and towns from this possible increase in taxation. With 36 Democrats in the Senate and only four Republicans, many wondered if Velis might be pressured to side with Democratic leadership in more contentious debates, as it is unconventional for newly elected officials to cross party lines early on in their first term. When asked about this, Velis stressed that the key to maintaining strong relationships in the legislature is by being transparent and open.
I am always up front with my colleagues about concerns or issues I have with legislation,” said Velis. “In my humble opinion, the most important is compromise. My experience and my years in politics have shown me that the people we represent are better served when Republicans and Democrats work together.”
This voting record demonstrates that Velis has continued his bi-partisan nature from his time in the House to the Senate, and establishes him as one of the most independent legislators in the State of the Massachusetts. The current legislative session continues throughout the end of this calendar year.
I hope everyone had a great week and was able to enjoy the long weekend. I had plenty of meetings and events in the district this week, and have some updates regarding early voting and the Soldiers Home Oversight Committee to share. I also am excited to announce a new addition to my Senate Staff, Katie Verra! Katie is my new Chief of Staff & Legislative Counsel, and we are so excited to have her join the team. She recently received her J.D. from Suffolk University, and brings a wealth of experience in fiscal policy analysis and legislative drafting. Welcome Katie!
Early voting began this past Saturday, October 17th! In addition to in-person voting on November 3rd, there will be early in-person voting available at a secure location in your City or Town from October 17th until October 30th. If you live in Westfield, you can vote at City Hall on any weekday from 9am-5pm, Saturdays from 9am-2pm, and Sundays from 11-4pm. If you live in Southwick, you can vote at Town Hall on any weekday from 8:30am-4:30pm (Thursdays until 6:30!), and on Saturdays/Sundays from 8am-12pm. If you live in another municipality, you can go to www.MassEarlyVote.com to find your early voting location and schedule, or give my office a call and we can help.
Next week, the Legislature’s Soldiers Home Oversight Committee will be holding two public hearings for family members and health care proxies to share their testimonies directly with the Committee. The first hearing will be in-person at Holyoke Community College on Tuesday October 20that 11am, and the second hearing will be held virtually on Thursday October 22ndat 12pm. Over the past months, I have held my own listening sessions with family members of those who lost loved ones, and I can tell you that their experiences are not only heartbreaking, but shine a lot of light onto how we can improve the Home moving forward. We need their voices, and I am grateful to all who are going to testify during these hearings.
This past Tuesday I had a great meeting with SolaBlock’s founders Jason Laverty and Scott Longley. SolaBlock is an Easthampton-based company focusing on developing sustainable solar-wall systems that would enable almost any building structure to extract and use energy from the sun. We need to continue to develop sustainable energy sources, and it is great to see companies utilizing Western Massachusetts manufacturing opportunities. Later that day I visited the Westfield Fire Department where I learned more about the department’s operations, and got to watch them conduct practice scenario training on firefighters who have been incapacitated and need assistance. They were also kind enough to feed me dinner! It is always great to see first hand how our first responders prepare and train, and many thanks to Fire Chief Egloff for the invitation.
On Thursday morning I participated in a very productive virtual discussion with the West of the River Chamber of Commerce alongside several of my legislative colleagues. The Chamber has many business members from Agawam and West Springfield, and we discussed the challenges that businesses are facing and how we in the legislature can help. Navigating the recovery and reopening process is not going to be easy, but it is critical that we are meeting the changing needs and concerns of our local businesses.
On Friday I joined other Western Massachusetts legislators for a call with MassDOT Secretary Pollack for a discussion regarding developments with the Valley Flyer project. The Valley Flyer train, which has a station stop in Holyoke, is an important mode of transportation for so many in our communities and we are looking forward to its expansion. Later on Friday, I went over to the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation’s empowerment center in Agawam to help pass out food kits. The MMSF has done such a great job of helping veterans and community members get access to the food they need during these difficult times, and I greatly appreciate their work.
On Saturday I joined the Westfield Council on Aging for their “Serving up Senior Safety” Luncheon. We distributed lunches to nearly 200 seniors in the community and shared information on local resources and how to stay safe during COVID-19. Later that evening, I joined the Agawam Police Department for a ride-along, where I got a chance to see what their officers go through on a daily basis and how they prepare. It is so important to get out and see this work for myself. These experiences are truly eye-opening, and I am grateful to have been able to join them.
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.
I hope everyone is doing well. I know we had some intense storms this week and I want to send my thanks to all the municipal public safety and public works departments who were on call for storm damage and power outages. Southampton in particular had over 400 residents without power and my office was able to facilitate communication between Eversource Energy and the Southampton Fire Department; who were then able to work together to restore power.
This week I hosted a meeting with legislative colleagues, community activists, and UMass Amherst researchers on the existence and dangers of PFAS in our food sources. Among other things, we discussed the possibility of a pilot study at UMass that would look at eggshells from communities with high PFAS levels like Westfield and Hyannis. This pilot study could lead to expanded studies that would help us determine what products have PFAS in them, where they come from, and how we can best address PFAS in our food sources. Our communities deserve to know what we are consuming and there was great legislative interest in the study.
I also want to acknowledge that this past week was Mental Illness Awareness Week. Those dealing with mental and behavioral health issues often do not get the help and support they need because of the stigma surrounding the topic. These issues are only exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and we have seen rates of depression increase during these past several months. As a member of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery, I am proud that the State has launched their new “More to the Story Campaign”, which is focused on normalizing conversations and reducing the stigma around mental and behavioral health issues. People often mask what they are going through. But there is always more to the story and we can all do more to help those who are struggling. To find out more about the campaign and other related resources, please contact my office.
This past Monday morning I had a meeting at the Holyoke Health Center with E.D. Jay Breines, Representative Vega, and Representative-Elect Pat Duffy on the impact of the health center on the greater Holyoke area and how we in the legislature can support them. Later on Monday I joined Mayor Sapelli of Agawam for a tour of Belt Technologies. It’s always eye-opening to see how businesses have adapted to meet the challenges of COVID-19. We need to continue to provide support to them as we go through these recovery stages.
Tuesday morning, I went over to the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Food Pantry to spend some time helping out. Food insecurity is still one of our largest challenges for our most vulnerable populations and it is great to see how these organizations and volunteers go above and beyond to provide groceries and resources.
On Friday, I had a virtual meeting with Secretary Sudders from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and many legislative colleagues on the proposed closing of Farren Health in Turner Falls and the proposed patient transfer to Mount Saint Vincent in Holyoke. My colleagues and I have deep concerns about such a change taking place during this pandemic, and I advocated for delaying the move and for increased guidelines and resources to be provided for residents, staff, and families. After this meeting, I went over to Holyoke to present Esme Power with an official Senate Citation. Esme was recently named a delegate to the national Girl Scout Council, and has spent time advocating for people to vote and use their voice! I am so proud of the great youth in our communities, and congratulations to Esme.
I wrapped up Friday night by spending several hours on a ride-along with the Westfield Police Department. I believe in rolling up my sleeves and seeing things first hand and these ride-alongs are an important opportunity to see the daily work of our law enforcement officers. I am grateful to WPD for letting me come along.
This week I also had a variety of meetings with economic experts and the Ways and Means Committee to talk about the State Economy. The fact remains that it is still hard to predict exactly what our economic recovery is going to look like without a federal package. This budget is going to require strategic planning and we are looking at all options. We need to be fiscally responsible for the long-term and not dig ourselves into a hole while at the same time provide funding and clarity for those struggling in our communities. I will continue to update you all as the budget moves along.
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.
September 16, 2020 – Daily Hampshire Gazette – Bera Dunau
Area lawmakers are calling on Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack to reopen Registry of Motor Vehicles offices in Greenfield and Easthampton and offer dedicated service hours to older drivers across the region.
Special hours for those 74 and older to renew their licenses in person were recently added at the RMV Service Center in Springfield, but that’s not enough for some members of the western Massachusetts delegation.
“This is just another example of something that is fundamentally unfair to the western part of the state,” said Sen. John Velis, D-Westfield.
In Massachusetts, those 75 and older must renew their driver’s licenses in person. Initially, when the RMV announced on Sept. 1 dedicated service hours for those 75 and older renewing their licenses in person, no western Massachusetts locations were included. The RMV locations included in that initial announcement were Danvers, Leominster, New Bedford, South Yarmouth and Watertown, with Watertown offering the hours starting on Sept. 2 and the other locations offering the hours starting on Sept. 9.
On Wednesday, the Springfield RMV debuted a half-day of dedicated service hours.
In response to the announcement, 13 legislators, including Velis, signed a letter to Pollack. “We are writing today to request that you reopen the RMV locations in Greenfield and Easthampton and provide dedicated service hours for customers who are 75 years of age or older at three sites in western Massachusetts: one in Berkshire County, one in Franklin County and one in Hampshire County,” reads part of the letter.
Others signatories included Rep. Natalie Blais, D-Sunderland, Rep. Dan Carey, D-Easthampton, Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, D-Northampton, and Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton.
A total of 18 legislators who represent the four counties in Western Massachusetts are joining the effort to urge Gov. Charlie Baker to fill at least one of two vacant seats on the Supreme Judicial Court with a resident from Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden or Hampshire County.
The senators and representatives sent a letter to the governor arguing that the state’s highest court does not have any justices who have served or lived in the western part of the state and called for more regional balance in the state’s highest court.
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Those who signed the letter are Sens. Jo Comerford, Eric Lesser, Adam G. Hinds and John Velis. The Representatives are Aaron Vega, Natalie M. Blais, Joseph F. Wagner, Brian Ashe, Nicholas Boldyga, Michael J. Finn, Mindy Domb, Susannah Whipps, Todd Smola, John Barrett III, Tricia Farley-Bouvier, Lindsay Sabadosa, Jose Tosado and Daniel R. Carey.
I hope you all had a great week. I have some updates regarding PFAS, Climate Project Grants, and RMV services to share this week, in addition to sharing about some meetings I had.
This past Thursday, the Department of Environmental Protection announced new regulations to protect our drinking water from PFAS with the biggest change being a new Maximum Containment Level of 20 ppt per the sum of 6 compounds. This new level provides a much higher degree of protection compared to the previous guidance of 70 ppt and Public Water Systems will have to begin quarterly sampling for PFAS in 2021. This is such an important change; one that has been truly years in the making. Westfield was selected along with nine other communities to receive a $200,000 grant to continue their research and engineering on completely removing PFAS contamination from our water systems. As Westfield’s State Rep., I worked closely with City Councilor Kristen Mello and other community members to bring our concerns to the State’s attention. After hard work from all involved, I’m ecstatic that action like this is finally taking place. The ultimate goal is to have water completely free of PFAS. These new regulations and funding are important steps towards that goal and in the meantime help to protect our communities and our health.
Earlier this month, the RMV announced special hours for those 74 and older to renew their licenses in person. While this is an excellent initiative, the lack of currently open locations in Western Massachusetts means that many residents are unable to access these special hours. Last week, I joined many of my Western Mass. legislative colleagues in writing a letter to Secretary Pollack of MassDOT expressing concerns and requesting that the RMV locations in Greenfield and Easthampton be reopened. Our letter pointed out many of the transportation issues that exist with current locations and stressed the importance of extending senior hours to Western Mass. residents. This week, MassDOT announced that the Greenfield RMV location will be reopening on October 13th, with dedicated Senior Service hours on Wednesdays. While this is no doubt an improvement, I am disappointed that Easthampton was not included, and am going to continue to work with my colleagues on this issue. If you are ever experiencing difficulties with the RMV, whether it be getting a license or even just getting in contact with someone, please reach out to my office. We will place an inquiry, and have been highly successful at resolving issues.
Last week it was also announced that the State would be providing climate resiliency grants to cities and towns through the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program. The goal of this program is to identify climate hazards, develop strategies to improve resilience, and implement action to adapt to climate change. Several communities in the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire received grants. Holyoke received a $135,000 grant for their Urban Forest Equity Plan. Easthampton received a $175,000 grant for Green Infrastructure and Resiliency Design for the City’s Cherry Street Project. Agawam received a $216,000 grant for their Stormwater Master Plan. Granville also received a $27,000 grant for further Climate Change planning. It’s critical that we continue to address climate hazards that arise and these funds will go a long way in helping our communities invest in that work.
This past Tuesday evening, I had a meeting with the Russell Board of Selectman to discuss the Woronoco Bridge project. I look forward to continued conversations as I learn more about how I can best assist with this project as well as others in the town.
Wednesday was a day full of virtual meetings for me. I began with a Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus Meeting where I discussed some of the district specific issues we are facing with my legislative colleagues. Later that afternoon, Representative Dan Carey and I hosted a virtual discussion and briefing on Adult Day Programs in Western Mass with many of our legislative colleagues in attendance. We had quite a few groups join us, including Riverside Industries, Valley Educational Associates, and Sunshine Village. It was eye-opening to hear of some of the challenges they have faced as a result of COVID-19 and it is clear that many are struggling during these difficult financial times. I’m grateful for their work in our communities and I will continue to work to help them respond and recover. Later that afternoon, I had a legislative call with Senator-Elect Adam Gomez and local restaurant owners where we discussed Sports Gambling legislation and its possible impacts on our businesses and communities.
On Thursday I joined the Department of Veterans Services, the architecture firm Payette, and various veteran organizations for a zoom call discussing the plans for a new Holyoke Soldiers Home. It is critical that the input of veterans organizations and community members who know the home well is taken into account. Payette is looking for more input from the community and if anyone is interested in completing a survey in regards to what the new Home should provide, please reach out to my office.
Friday my staff joined the Easthampton Council on Aging to hand out lunches to residents who came by. Later that afternoon I had my bi-weekly meeting with President Royal of Holyoke Community College, where we discussed how the start of classes has been going. On Saturday, I joined community members and volunteers to spend some time cleaning up the Westfield River. It’s always encouraging to see so many of our community out working together and it always feels good to get outside and make a tangible impact on our natural surroundings.
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.
This past week marked 100 days since I was sworn in as the State Senator for the 2nd 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.
EducationLegislation
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 ensuredstability 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 $250,000in 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
Senator Velis at a standout for the Holyoke Soldiers Home in June
Senator Velis at Holyoke Boys and Girls Club in July
Senator Velis during a Senate Debate in July
Senator Velis meeting with constituents in Russell in August
