Category: Infrastructure

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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 Files Education Bills in Senate

State Sen. John C. Velis, pictured in 2019 with Paper Mill Elementary School  students Emilee Buoniconti and Eric Dean. (HOPE E. TREMBLAY/THE WESTFIELD NEWS)

(BOSTON 3/29/2021) Today Senator John C. Velis announced a series of education-related bills  that he filed in the Massachusetts State Senate.  The three bills deal with cardiac arrest in student athletes, excused school absences for mental health, and reimbursement for school building projects from the Massachusetts School Building Authority. 

SD1233, An Act relative to sudden cardiac arrest awareness in student athletes, directs the Department of Public Health to develop an interscholastic athletic sudden cardiac distress and death prevention program for schools.  Senator Velis stated that the idea for this legislation came from conversations with Westfield resident, Susan Canning, whose son, Kevin Major, died from an abnormally enlarged heart muscle known as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in July of 2011.  

“Kevin’s story is truly heartbreaking, and Mrs. Canning has been tireless in her work to raise awareness about issues of cardiac arrest in our youth,” said Senator Velis.  “2,000 people under the age of 25 die each year of sudden cardiac arrest, with many of these tragedies occurring during athletic or physical activities.  Often times these young, seemingly healthy, individuals don’t even know they are at risk, and this bill would ensure that our school systems are trained to spot the warning signs before it’s too late.” 

The bill, which is supported by the American Heart Association, requires certain school personnel  to participate in the program, where they would be trained in recognizing the symptoms and warning signs of cardiac distress and sudden cardiac arrest.   Additionally, student athletes would be required to provide information relative to any cardiac medical history at the start of each sports season. 

SD2388, An Act relative to the mental health of children in schools, would allow for school absences to be permitted for behavioral health concerns.  There is currently no state law in Massachusetts mandating that schools allow such absences, but many already do.  

“Mental health is an issue that is simply not talked about enough, especially when it comes to youth in our communities,” said Senator Velis, who is Vice Chair of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.  “School can be an incredibly stressful time for many students.  It is so important that student are taking care of their mental health, and they should be able to take the time to do that without any consequences.” 

SD1743, An Act relative to school districts in receivership and the Massachusetts School Building Authority, would make school districts in receivership eligible for higher reimbursement rates from the state for school building projects.  Currently, school districts cannot receive more than 80% reimbursement of eligible costs from the Massachusetts School Building Authority.  

Senator Velis stated after working with Holyoke Public Schools and City officials on their current middle school project, it became clear that school districts in receivership face unique challenges in completing new building projects.  

“There are currently only three school districts in the state that are in receivership, Holyoke, Lawrence and Southbridge,” said Senator Velis.  “These school districts have already been determined to need more support from the state and I think that should apply to any new school construction projects as well.” 

State Representative Patricia Duffy, who represents Holyoke in the House of Representatives, is a cosponsor of SD1743 as well.  

These bills have yet to be referred to a committee.  

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March 21, 2021 – Weekly Update

Happy St. Patrick’s Day Folks, 

It was another busy week here in the State Senate.  This week marked the first hearing on the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Bond Bill.  Elected officials, family members, veterans’ advocates, and myself testified before the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight on the specifics of the bill, which would allow the state to build an entirely new facility.  The need for a new Home has existed for far too long and the tragedy that occurred there this past spring has only made that more apparent.  Our veterans are the best of us and therefore they deserve the best from us. 

This past Thursday’s Senate session was fruitful as well.  The Senate passed a coronavirus relief package aimed at small businesses. Among other things, it would make PPP loans non-taxable income and extend the tax filing deadline until May 17th.  As the light at end of the tunnel for this pandemic gets brighter and brighter, it’s paramount that the legislature continues to focus on the keystone of our economic recovery: small businesses.   

In addition to the hearing about the bond bill this week, the Special Oversight Committee on the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke also held a hearing on Friday.  We heard testimony directly from Mark Pearlstein, who was appointed by the Governor to conduct an independent investigation on the COVID-19 outbreak at the Home.  The purpose of these hearings is to find out the underlying institutional causes that led to the tragedy at the Home last spring and to make sure something like this never happens again.   

Friday morning I also joined some of my colleagues and officials from Mercy Medical Center for their virtual legislative breakfast. It was an informative meeting where we heard directly from Mercy leadership about how the Center has adapted to COVID-19 to serve our communities. 

On Wednesday I had the pleasure of presenting citations to two retiring Westfield Police officers, Terry Manos and William Ulrich.  With a combined sixty-four years on the force, they did an excellent job serving and protecting our community.  Thank you to the both of them and everyone here in my office is wishing them a happy retirement.   

I’d also like to commend the staff and students at Holyoke Community College for being ranked amongst the best community colleges in the United States by AcademicInfluence.com this week.  They were 20th out of 839 schools across the country.  They’re deserving of it and I know they will continue to help build a stronger workforce for the entire region.   

This week, the Governor also announced new updates to the Vaccine eligibility timeline. On March 22nd, individuals 60+ and workers in certain sectors will become eligible.  On April 5th, individuals 55+ and those with one comorbidity will become eligible.  And on April 19th, the general public will become eligible.  If you have any questions on your eligibility, please visit www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine  or my website link which I mention below. 

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. 

Sláinte! 

John Velis 

Senator Velis presents Senate citations to Westfield Police officers, Terry Manos and William Ulrich, who retired this past year after 32 years each of service.
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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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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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Senator Velis, Legislators, Bring up Concerns during Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Oversight Hearing

BOSTON (1/22/2020)

On Thursday the Legislature’s Special Oversight Committee on the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home held a virtual public hearing for administration officials and staff to directly testify. Senator John Velis, who represents the city of Holyoke and sits on the committee, stated that the hearing was an opportunity to bring up concerns and learn more about how to improve the Home.

“It is clear that staffing and oversight problems at the Home have existed for a long time. I have heard many concerns from families and staff directly, and it was critical to bring these issues up,” said Senator Velis. “The goal is to figure out how we can address these problems going forward so a tragedy like last spring never happens again.”

Major General Gary Keefe, who was recently named the new Chair of the Soldiers’ Home Board of Trustees, was among those who testified in front of the committee. General Keefe is the adjutant general of the Massachusetts National Guard and was in charge of the guardsmen who were deployed to the Home in March to respond to the outbreak.

General Keefe said that when he first arrived at the Home at the end of March, “it was bedlam.” Responding to a question about the chain of command at the Home, the General stated that a standardization of policies and regulations at the Home is badly needed.

One of the first to testify was the Secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Marylou Sudders. After a series of questions regarding staffing levels and administration positions at the facility, the Secretary noted that they are continuing to work to improve staffing levels and that recruitment is always a challenge.

In a comment to the Secretary, Senator Velis said that families have continued to report that staffing shortages at the Home have contributed to visitation problems. “All these families want to do is see their loved ones. The isolation that COVID-19 has brought upon these Veterans is terrible, and I am worried about the impact this time period will have on their mental health.”

Secretary Sudders responded that shutting down visitations last spring and then later this fall again were some of the hardest decisions she has ever had to make. She said that she was hopeful that family visits and socialization with other residents will improve with increased vaccinations and new testing models. She also stated that she has asked Secretary of Veteran Services Cheryl Poppe to come up with a new visitation model for the Home.

Another topic discussed was the recommendations the architecture firm, Payette, has made for a new Soldiers’ Home facility. Their plan, which was commissioned by the Baker administration, calls for 180-204 beds for the new Home, a decrease from the pre-COVID capacity of 235 beds.

Senator Velis stressed that the bed projection needs to be increased, mainly because there is no way to accurately predict how many Veterans will rely on the Home in the future. “I would rather be in a position 20 years from now where we’ve got a few vacancies as opposed to waiting lists where constituents can’t get a bed at the Home.”

Kevin Jourdain, the former Chair of the Board of Trustees, also testified on Thursday that the number of beds should not be decreased. “We can’t predict the next war, the next military conflict. We’re supposed to be building a facility for the next 100 years, not for the next 10 years,” said Jourdain.

Mr. Jourdain also emphasized the importance of instituting an ombudsman’s office at the Home to ensure that residents and families have an confidential and independent resource to reach out to when issues arise. In the FY’2021 budget, an amendment by Senator Velis to provide funding for an

ombudsman’s office at the Soldiers Home’ was successfully adopted. Mr. Jourdain stated that such a position would greatly help to improve oversight of the Home.

The hearing, which lasted from 1PM until just before 7PM, is the first the Committee has held in the new year. A report from the Committee, along with possible legislation, is due by the end of March.

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Photos from the virtual hearing with Senator Velis, General Keefe, Secretary Sudders and Secretary Poppe

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Sweeping Economic Development Bill Authorizing $627 Million for COVID-19 Recovery Signed into Law

BOSTON (1/15/2021) – On Wednesday, January 6, 2021, the Massachusetts Legislature passed $627 million in funding for a sweeping economic recovery and development bill which will provide much-needed support to businesses, investments in infrastructure, and creation of new jobs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill was signed into law on January 14, 2021.

An Act Enabling Partnerships for Growth provides the residents of Massachusetts a COVID-19 relief and recovery package that will provide support to the restaurant and tourism sectors, small businesses, and those who have been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic, while also creating a Future of Work Commission, establishing protections for student loan borrowers, and ushering in zoning reforms that will encourage housing development in our communities.

“This new law will help stabilize our economy and lead us to a strong economic recovery from this pandemic,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “This legislation provides immediate relief to those sectors of the economy hit hardest by the pandemic, while making key policy changes, particularly in housing, that will fuel future economic growth. I want to thank Chairman Michlewitz for his stewardship of this bill and for Chairwoman Ferrante and Representative Wong for their work on the conference committee.”

“I am thrilled this legislation is now law so that we can begin to provide a necessary boost to our economy as it recovers from the dire effects of COVID-19,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “The Legislature recognizes the need to be bold when addressing the challenges facing restaurant and small business owners, cultural attractions and other key sectors that will keep our economy strong. I am particularly pleased this bill includes the long sought-after housing production reforms that the Senate has supported for years. I want to thank Senators Lesser, Rodrigues and my colleagues for their attention to this critical bill and for acting with urgency to move it forward in the legislative process.”

“Tonight, our economic relief package was signed into law by Governor Baker. In a time of crisis for our Commonwealth, the Legislature completed one of the most important economic recovery and investment packages in recent history. With the inclusion of urgently needed small business and restaurant relief, new protections for over 1 million student loan borrowers, and the most progressive and far-reaching housing reform in decades, this legislation will bring needed relief to families, small businesses, and communities hit hardest by COVID-19,” stated Senator Eric P. Lesser, Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies (D-Longmeadow).

“This bill provides critical relief to those who have been the hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. So many businesses and individuals have struggled during these difficult times, and this is really the State Government responding,” said Senator Velis, Assistant-Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development (D-Westfield).

The bill includes the following bonding authorizations and policy changes.

COVID-19 pandemic relief and recovery

Bonding Authorizations

● $30 million for the state’s COVID-19 Payroll Protection Program

● $20 million for restaurant COVID-19 recovery grants

Policy Changes

● Limits fees charged by third-party delivery services for restaurants to 15% during the COVID-19 state of emergency; prohibits third-party delivery service companies from reducing rates for delivery drivers or garnishing gratuities as result of the limitation

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

Housing

Bonding Authorizations

● $40 million for a program to redevelop blighted buildings

● $50 million for transit-oriented housing developments

● $10 million for climate-resilient affordable housing developments

● $5 million for a Gateway Cities housing program

Policy Changes

● Implements zoning reform to help cities and towns approve smart growth zoning and affordable housing by lowering the required vote threshold for a range of housing-related zoning changes and special permits at the local level from a two-thirds supermajority to a simple majority

● Requires designated MBTA communities to be zoned for at least one district of reasonable size, in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right and requires such housing to be suitable for families with children

● Increases the state low-income housing tax credit program cap from $20,000,000 to $40,000,000

Employee protections, business growth, and equity

Bonding Authorizations

● $35 million for a Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation matching grant program to community development financial institutions for small business loans and grants

● $27.7 million for a new Employment Social Enterprise Capital Grant Program

● $20 million for a Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation small business grant program

● $14M million for travel and tourism grants

● $10 million for regional and community assistance planning grants

Policy Changes

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

● Amends the statutory definition of wait staff employee to include a person in a quick service restaurant who prepares or serves food or beverages as part of a team of counter staff

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

● Exempts natural hair braiding from the definition of hairdressing, and exempts natural hair braiding from rules and regulations pertaining to aesthetics, barbering, cosmetology, electrolysis, hairdressing and manicuring

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

● Establishes a commission of experts, industry members, academics, and elected officials to research and propose policy solutions that ensure the future and sustainability of local journalism in Massachusetts

Student protections

● Establishes a Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights regulating the licensing and operation of student loan servicers by the Commissioner of Banks

● Creates a Student Loan Ombudsman within the Office of the Attorney General for the purpose of receiving, reviewing and assisting in the resolution of complaints from student loan borrowers; authorizes the Ombudsman to assist with repayment options, applying for federal loan forgiveness programs, ending wage and tax refund garnishments, resolving billing disputes, and obtaining loan details

Agriculture and rural support

Bonding Authorizations

● $20 million for rural community development and infrastructure grants

● $2 million for an urban agriculture grant program

Policy Changes

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

Technology and innovation

Bonding Authorizations

● $52 million for the Technology Research and Development and Innovation Fund

● $15 million for lottery IT infrastructure

● $10 million for the expansion of the Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2)

● $5 million for the Massachusetts Broadband Incentive Fund

Policy Changes

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

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

Other bonding authorizations include

● $102,304,000 for local economic development projects;

● $12.5 million for the Commonwealth Zoological Corporation;

● $15 million for trial court virtual mediation services;

● $6 million for Massachusetts Cultural Council grants;

● $5 million for Mass Cultural Council public school grants;

● $20 million for Mass Cultural Council cultural facilities grants;

● $15 million for vocational technical school expansion grants; and

● $15 million for higher education workforce grants

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