Category: Infrastructure

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January 10, 2021 – Weekly Update

Hello Everyone,  

I hope you all are doing well and staying safe. Many of our communities are still in the high-risk category for COVID-19 cases, so it is critical that we continue to curb the spread while vaccinations roll out. First responders across the state will begin to receive their first doses of the vaccine this coming Monday. 

Wednesday marked the start of the new 192nd legislative session. Although the senate swearing-in session was remote, it was a great experience to be sworn in while being at my district office in Westfield. I’m so honored to continue working on behalf of the Second Hampden and Hampshire district. The night before, the Senate held its last session of the 191st legislative session, which went until just before 5AM. Two of the major pieces passed were the Economic Development bill and the Transportation Bond bill. 

The Economic Development bill will provide much needed relief to businesses that have suffered due to COVID-19. Among other things, the bill includes $20 million in grants to restaurants,  $30 million for payroll protection, and over $100 million for local economic development projects. The bill also prioritizes workforce development initiatives and includes $15 million for vocational technical schools and $15 million to support career-oriented programs at community colleges. There are also a number of strong policy initiatives in the bill to protect consumers, including establishing a Student Loan Ombudsman’s office within the Attorney General’s office to assist students with loan servicer issues. I was proud to vote for such a multifaceted bill that is much needed during these dire times.  

The $16.5 billion dollar Transportation Bond bill passed by the legislature is an authorization of funds for transportation projects and maintenance all over the Commonwealth, including in our district. It was critical that the authorization was made before the end of session so that projects can continue during the spring and summer construction seasons. I am glad to report that the gas tax that many were contemplating was not included in the final transportation bill. As many of you know, I strongly opposed an increase to the gas tax during my time in the House as I believe it disproportionately affects our communities in Western Mass. I have continued to advocate against such a tax in the Senate and am glad that it was not included in this final piece of legislation. 

As the new legislative session begins, I am feverously researching, drafting, and filing bills. Part of that work includes meeting with organizations and constituents in our communities and across our state. On Friday I met with Jeff Hayden, Vice-President of Business and Community Services at Holyoke Community College, to talk about ways we can develop our workforce and increase vocational training in our communities. Preparing our next generation with the workforce skills they need is a strong focus of my legislative agenda. Other focuses of my legislative research include substance use programs, education requirements, animal rights protections, and veterans affairs issues. As the bill filing process moves along, I encourage you to reach out to my office if you have ideas on potential legislation. 

In this new legislative session, I will also be putting together quarterly newsletters from my office that can be sent right to your email inbox. You can sign up here.

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. 

Best wishes for a happy new year, 

John C. Velis 

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Legislature Passes Economic Development Bill

BOSTON (1/6/2020) – On Wednesday, shortly before 4AM, the Massachusetts State Senate and House of Representatives passed HB5250 – An Act Enabling Partnerships for Growth.

The final bill provides the residents of Massachusetts a COVID-19
relief and recovery package that will provide desperately needed support to our restaurant and tourism sectors, small businesses, as well as those who have been significantly impacted 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 and access in our communities. The House and Senate collaborated to produce a comprehensive economic development bill allocating $627,181,000 in capital authorizations across housing, community development, small business recovery, broadband expansion, neighborhood revitalization, climate resilience, vocational and career training, and higher education.

FUNDING ITEMS

In total, the economic development bill includes $627,181,000 in authorizations for housing, economic, and community development coupled with mandates of social, racial, economic, and geographic equity where appropriate.


Regional & Community Assistance Planning Grants (7002-8032)
Authorizes $10,000,000 for planning initiatives undertaken by individual municipalities, joint cities or towns, or entire regions working together to address shared goals related to community development, housing production or other issues of local and regional concern.


Employment Social Enterprise Capital Grant Program (7002-8033)
Authorizes $27,700,000 for the establishment of an Employment Social Enterprise Capital Grant Program to be administered by EOHED.


Restaurant COVID-19 Grants (7002-8034)
Authorizes $20,000,000 for a program administered by EOHED to provide financial and capital assistance to restaurants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.


Site Readiness Program (7002-8000)
Authorizes $15,000,000 for the Site Readiness Program administered by MassDevelopment to continue making sites ready for development through site assembly and assessment, permitting, and other predevelopment activities.


Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation – CDFIs (7002-8001)
Authorizes $35,000,000 for the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation to provide matching grants to community development financial institutions certified by the U.S. Treasury or community development corporations certified under M.G.L c. 40H.


Vocational School Expansion Grants (7035-2020)
Authorizes $15,000,000 for capital grants to vocational technical schools to expand operating capacities and reduce wait lists.


Higher Education Workforce Grants (7066-2020)
Authorizes $15,000,000 for a grant program administered by the Department of Higher Education to support career-oriented programs and initiatives at community colleges.


COVID-19 State Payroll Protection Program (7002-8035)
Authorizes $30,000,000 for the Massachusetts Growth Corporation to provide small business loans to those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to pay employee payroll, mortgage interest, rent, utilities and interest on other debt obligations.


Local Economic Development Projects (7002-8036)
Authorizes $102,304,000 for local economic development projects throughout Massachusetts.


Massachusetts Broadband Incentive Fund (7002-8002)
Authorizes $5,000,000 to fund the Massachusetts Broadband Incentive Fund for maintenance of broadband infrastructure owned by the Massachusetts Technology Park Corporation in Central and Western Massachusetts.


Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (7002-8003)
Authorizes $10,000,000 in matching grants to support collaboration among manufacturers located in the Commonwealth and institutions of higher education, nonprofits and other public or quasi-public entities.


Technology Research & Development & Innovation Fund (7002-8004)
Authorizes $52,000,000 for the Scientific and Technology Research and Development Matching Grant Fund to foster additional scientific and technology research and development in the Commonwealth.


Rural Community Development & Infrastructure Grants (7002-8027)
Authorizes $20,000,000 for a competitive grant program fund dedicated to supporting community development, infrastructure projects, and climate resilience initiatives in rural communities and small towns.


Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation – Microbusiness Grants (7002-8028)
Authorizes $25,000,000 for the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, in consultation with the microbusiness development center, to administer a grant program to provide capital for micro-businesses and low-to-moderate income entrepreneurs looking to start or expand a new business.


Travel & Tourism Matching Grants (7002-8029)
Authorizes $14,000,000 for a competitive grant program to improve facilities and destinations visited by travelers in order to increase visitation, entice repeat visitation through marketing and other means, and increase the direct and indirect economic impacts of the tourism industry in all regions of the Commonwealth.


Blighted Buildings Redevelopment Program (7002-8031)
Authorizes $40,000,000 for a program to support the redevelopment of underutilized, blighted, or abandoned buildings.


Commonwealth Zoological Corporation (7002-8034)
Authorizes $12,500,000 for the Commonwealth Zoological Corporation for capital
improvements necessary for the operation of the Zoo New England, Franklin Park Zoo, and the Walter D. Stone Memorial Zoo.


Urban Agriculture Grant Program (7002-8037)
Authorizes $2,000,000 for capital grants for urban farms as defined in this act.


Lottery Commission IT (0640-0100)
Authorizes $15,000,000 for IT related projects at the state lottery commission.


Massachusetts Cultural Council Grants (0640-0303)
Authorizes $6,000,000 for a competitive grant program administered by the MCC to promote artists in creating new mediums to showcase their art, and to promote local museums to showcase their exhibits remotely.


Massachusetts Cultural Council Public School Grants (0640-0304)
Authorizes $5,000,000 for a competitive grant program to be administered by the MCC, in consultation with DESE, to help public schools provide access to cultural experiences in the community through remote means in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.


Cultural Facilities Grants (0640-0305)

Authorizes $20,000,000 for a non-profit infrastructure and equipment competitive grant program administered by the MCC to provide means to safely and sustainably reopen to the public while upholding necessary public health and social distancing protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.


TRC Virtual Mediation Services (1102-5702)
Authorizes $15,000,000 to make improvements at the trial courts to support virtual mediation services.


Transit-Oriented Housing Developments (7004-0059)
Authorizes $50,000,000 in the form of grants and loans for transit-oriented housing and the production of high-density mixed-income affordable housing near transit modes.


Climate-Resilient Affordable Housing Developments (7004-0064)
Authorizes $10,000,000 for sustainable and climate-resilient construction in affordable, multifamily housing developments to better respond to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.


Neighborhood Stabilization (7004-0065)
Authorizes $50,000,000 for neighborhood stabilization to help return blighted or vacant housing back to productive use.


Gateway Cities Housing Program (7004-0066)
Authorizes $5,000,000 in a Gateway City housing pilot program to support the construction of shovel-ready market-rate housing opportunities.

POLICY ITEMS


HOUSING


Housing Choice
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. Housing production is an integral part of economic development and recovery. Therefore, these provisions will cut the red tape that stands in the way of housing production and provide municipalities with the tools necessary to spur housing production in the Commonwealth.


MBTA Communities
Requires designated MBTA communities to be zoned for at least one district of reasonable size, as defined in the Act, in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right. Requires such housing to be suitable for families with children.


Zoning Appeals
Allows judges to require non-municipal parties who appeal special permits, site plan review, and variances to post a bond up to $50,000 to secure statutory costs. Provides judges with discretion to consider the merits of the appeal and the relative financial ability of the parties.


HDIP Programmatic changes
Requires at least 10% of units to be affordable (i) rental units for people whose income is not more than 60% of the area median income, or (ii) owner-occupied units for people whose income is not more than 80% of the area median income; amends the HDIP program to increase transparency and equity.


40R Smart Growth
Permits DHCD to establish smart growth design standards; clarifies that mixed use development is allowed; place limitations on density bonus payments for housing in districts limited to age-restricted, disabled, or assisted living populations; enhance DHCD’s ability to claw back incentive payments if a community repeals 40R zoning.

Tenant’s Right to Purchase
Creates a local option establishing a tenant’s right of first refusal and outlines a process by which tenants occupying a residential property may purchase said property prior to its sale or foreclosure.


Eviction Record Sealing
Seals all no-fault eviction records.


Minors & Eviction Records
Prohibits minors from being named in a summary process summons; requires expungement of the names of any minors from any court record or electronic docket.


Local Housing Authority Board Member Elections
Amends provisions related to the election of local housing board members and modifies the definition of the tenant member on such boards by expanding seat eligibility to tenants with signed leases for public housing operated by the local housing authority, tenants in public housing operated on behalf of the housing authority, participants in rental housing assistance programs operated by a housing authority, or a resident of any such housing units over the age of 18.


Low-income Housing Tax Credit
Increases the state low-income housing tax credit program cap from $20,000,000 to $40,000,000.


CONSUMER PROTECTIONS


Student Loan Bill of Rights
Establishes a new G.L. c. 93L regulating the licensing and operation of student loan servicers by the Commissioner of Banks; establishes 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.


Motor Vehicle Insurance and Registration
Requires insurers, licensed insurance producers, or third- party representatives to verify an applicant’s Massachusetts driving history before processing a payment or issuing a policy when they utilize driving history as a rating or an underwriting factor for motor vehicle insurance; requires the insurer or insurance producer to provide a disclosure regarding the verification of the applicant’s driving history when issuing a quote, allowing consumers to understand that an initial quote for a policy may differ from the final cost of the policy, after driving history is checked.


COVID-19 PANDEMIC RELIEF AND RECOVERY


Third-Party Delivery Fee Caps
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 this Act.


Commission on Cultural and Creative Sector
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.


EMPLOYEE PROTECTIONS, BUSINESS GROWTH, AND EQUITY


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


Waitstaff Employees
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; further amends that definition to clarify that such an employee has no managerial responsibility during a day in which the person serves beverages or prepared food or clears patrons’ tables.


Paid Family Medical Leave
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.


Grand Bargain Premium Holiday Fix
Requires retail employers to pay employees time and a half holiday pay for working on New Years Day, Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day, and Veterans Day.


Natural Hair Braiding & Licensing
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.


PRIM Investment Board
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.


Mass Maritime Piers Repair and Rehabilitation Program
Establishes a Maritime Piers Repair and Rehabilitation Program within the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency to make grants and loans for the reconstruction, repair, renovation or rehabilitation of existing commercial and marine industrial infrastructure and public or private maritime transportation infrastructure.

Transient Vendor License Extension
Expands the transient vendors license from one to three years.


Minority and Women Enterprise Study
Creates a special commission to identify ways to grow minority and women business enterprises in public construction.


Commission on Journalism
Establishes a commission of experts, industry members, academics, and elected officials to research and propose policy solutions related to the decline of local journalism in Massachusetts and the future sustainability of the industry.


AGRICULTURE AND RURAL SUPPORT


Rural Growth Fund
Establishes the Rural Jobs Tax Credit for businesses that make a capital contribution to a rural growth fund, established within the Office of Business Development.


Healthy Soils Program and Fund
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.


Cranberry Renovation Tax Credit
Establishes a tax credit equal to 25 per cent of the total qualified renovation expenditures for a cranberry bog, not to exceed $100,000 and capped at $2,000,000 per year.


TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION


Personal Vehicle Sharing Insurance
Clarifies that carsharing platforms may obtain insurance coverage from non-admitted carriers 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.


Future of Work Commission
Creates a special commission 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.

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Legislature Passes Landmark Climate Change Bill

BOSTON (01/04/2021) – The Massachusetts Legislature today passed breakthrough climate legislation that overhauls the state’s climate laws, drives down greenhouse gas emissions, creates clean energy jobs, and protects environmental justice communities.

The bill, An Act Creating a Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy (S.2995), sets a 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions limit, as well as statewide limits every five years; increases the requirements for offshore wind energy procurement bringing the statewide total to 5,600 megawatts; requires emission reduction goals for MassSave, the state’s energy efficiency program; and, for the first time, establishes the criteria in statute that define environmental justice populations. The legislation also increases support for clean energy workforce development programs including those targeting low-income communities and improves gas pipeline safety.


“This legislation takes a historic step in the fight against climate change, putting Massachusetts on the path to creating a cleaner, greener and healthier future for the next generation,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I am thrilled to see this legislation codifies our shared goal of reducing harmful carbon emissions to zero by 2050, and creates new energy initiatives and standards to help us reach that target. I want to thank Senator Barrett, Representative Golden and their fellow conferees for their advocacy and hard work, as well as Speaker Mariano and former Speaker DeLeo for their partnership in seeing this bill through to fruition. I’d also like to note how much the Senate has been inspired to action by the energy and determination demonstrated by the young people of this Commonwealth. Your commitment to protecting our planet is inspiring and I welcome your continued collaboration as we move forward together in addressing our climate crisis.”

“This legislation represents a major piece of climate legislation that will set the course of the Commonwealth for the next three decades,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy).  “Today we send a message loud and clear that Massachusetts will empower our environmental justice communities, achieve net zero emissions by 2050, continue to lead on offshore wind, increase equitable access to our clean energy programs, and create pathways to clean energy jobs for underserved and low-income communities.”

“This bill steps up the pace of our collective drive to contain climate change,” said Senator Mike Barrett (D-Lexington), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy.  “It’s the strongest effort of its kind in the country.  With the tools the Legislature assembles here, we’re constructing the response we need and providing a blueprint to other states.”

“This is an historic day for Massachusetts. We have long been one of the clean energy leaders in our country, but today, we’ve strengthened the foundation that we have built upon and chart a course that has been long discussed but never codified or fully implemented,” said Senator Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “Climate policy can’t wait – that’s why this bipartisan legislation sets aggressive and practical goals in the areas of emissions reduction, green energy, environmental justice, and grid modernization. I am proud to have served on this conference committee and thank my colleagues for their hard work and collaborative spirit in crafting this legislation.”

“This historic climate change bill puts forth comprehensive policies to address the urgent climate concerns that our Commonwealth is facing,” said Senator John Velis (D-Westfield). “This legislation takes the general goals we have talked about for so long and implements them through specific and tangible action items. I am grateful to all the constituents and advocates who have reached out to me throughout this entire process.”

The legislation includes, among other items, the following provisions.

  • Sets a statewide net zero limit on greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and mandates emissions limits every five years, as well as limits for specific sectors of the economy, including transportation and buildings.
  • Codifies environmental justice provisions into Massachusetts law, defining environmental justice populations and providing new tools and protections for affected neighborhoods.
  • Requires an additional 2,400 megawatts of offshore wind, building on previous legislation action and increases the total to 5,600 megawatts in the Commonwealth.
  • Directs the Department of Public Utilities (DPU), regulator of the state’s electric and natural gas utilities, to balance priorities going forward: system safety, system security, reliability, affordability, equity, and, significantly,reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Sets appliance energy efficiency standards for a variety of common appliance including plumbing, faucets, computers, and commercial appliances.
  • Adopts several measures aimed at improves gas pipeline safety, including increased fines for safety violations and regulations related to training and certifying utility contractors.
  • Increases the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) by 3 percent each year from 2025 – 2029, resulting in 40 percent renewable energy by 2030.
  • Establishes an opt-in municipal net zero energy stretch code, including a definition of “net zero building.”
  • Prioritizes equitable access to the state’s solar programs by low-income communities
  • Establishes $12 million in annual funding for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center in order to create a pathway to the clean energy industry for environmental justice populations and minority-owned and women-owned businesses.
  • Provides solar incentives for businesses by exempting them from the net metering cap to allow them to install solar systems on their premises to help offset their electricity use and save money.
  • Requires utilities to include an explicit value for greenhouse gas reductions when they calculate the cost-effectiveness of an offering of MassSave.
  • Creates a first-time greenhouse gas emissions standard for municipal lighting plants that requires them to purchase 50 percent non-emitting electricity by 2030 and “net zero” by 2050.  
  • Sets benchmarks for the adoption of clean energy technologies including electric vehicles, charging stations, solar technology, energy storage, heat pumps and anaerobic digestors.

The bill is now with the governor.

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Velis hopeful for a better 2021

January 4th, 2020 – The Westfield News – Hope E. Tremblay

WESTFIELD – Like most people, state Sen. John C. Velis is looking forward to focusing on the positive in 2021.

When the clock struck midnight on New Year’s, Velis had one thing to say: “2020 – see ya!”

“I miss people,” he said. “For most politicians, people are the reason you do the job. I love people and cannot wait to get back to seeing everyone in person.”

Velis won the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District senate seat not once, but twice during the pandemic. Since his first swearing-in in May, Velis has attended every senate session – which were extended through the entire year – virtually.

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December 6th, 2020 Weekly Update

Hello Everyone,  

I hope you all had a great week and are staying safe and healthy during these difficult times.  

It is clear from this week’s data reports that the rate of COVID-19 cases in our communities is rising. Currently Southwick, Chicopee, and Holyoke are designated as red communities, while Westfield, Agawam, and Easthampton are designated as yellow communities. It is imperative that we continue to stay vigilant as we move into these winter months. While news surrounding a vaccine is extremely promising, we are not there yet, and we need to be mindful of the interactions we are having with others. 

This past Friday, the Senate and House came to agreement on a final FY2021 budget after differences between the two chambers were worked out in conference committee. I was proud to vote for this final legislation, which provides critical support and investments to our community while remaining fiscally responsible. I am also glad that my amendments providing funding for the Holyoke Soldiers Home, the Holyoke and Westfield Boys & Girls Clubs, Baystate Health and the Agawam Police Department survived the conference process and are included in the final bill. Now the budget will go before the Governor for his consideration.  

Tuesday morning I attended the ribbon cutting ceremony of Compass Recovery in Agawam, where I was honored to present them with a Senate citation in recognition of their opening. The treatment center will provide partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient services for those struggling with substance abuse disorders. 

On Wednesday I attended the services for Staff Sergeant Mark Johnson, a 2015 graduate of Agawam High School who recently passed away while stationed in Fort Hood, Texas. Sgt. Johnson served as a Squad Leader in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve in Romania and was a recipient of numerous military honors. His service inspires us all, and his passing is a tragic loss for our entire community.  

Thursday morning I was in Agawam for the grand opening of Vanguard Renewables’ new Organics Recycling Facility. The recycling facility’s innovative process converts expired and unsafe food waste into renewable energy. Vanguard Renewables is the largest organics recycler in the Northeast and will process nearly 500,000 tons of organic waste into renewables energy in 2021. It was truly incredible to tour the facility and learn more about how this process works firsthand.  

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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After victory, Velis prepares for first full term in state Senate

November 11, 2020 – The Reminder – Dennis Hackett, Reminder Publishing File Photo

WESTERN MASS. – After securing the Second Hampden and Hampshire District state Senate seat during the Nov. 3 election, state Sen. John Velis discussed his goals and challenges ahead of his first full term in office.

Before getting into anything, Velis said one of his top priorities was helping the area recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“First and foremost has to be COVID-19 recovery; it’s going to be an immediate and all-consuming issue in terms of how we recover. Small business, the hardships people are facing in the Second Hampden and Hampshire District, it’s absolutely critical to advocate for them,” he said.

While the Senate and House are facing difficult budget seasons, Velis said he is going to make sure his constituents have a seat at the table.

“We’re entering a difficult budget season with the House releasing theirs next week and then the state Senate releasing theirs the following week. Every lawmaker is going to be asked to do more with less. I need to zealously advocate for the constituents that elected me to ensure we have a seat at the table,” he said.

One of the ways Velis said he wants to stand out in legislature is by providing a bipartisan voice in the state Senate.

“One thing that is a priority of mine is continuing to be that voice in Massachusetts politics that doesn’t look at things just through the lens of the political party that happens to be next to my name. I think that’s critical to our nation, the healing and the working together,” he said.

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Senate budget includes ombudsman for Soldiers’ Home

November 23rd, 2020 – The Daily Hampshire Gazette – Dusty Christensen, GAZETTE FILE PHOTO

HOLYOKE — The state Senate has passed a budget ammendment that would establish an ombudsman’s office at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke.

In a unanimous vote, the Senate approved the amendment — filed by Sen. John Velis, D-Westfield — that will send an extra $400,000 to the home, which earlier this year experienced a COVID-19 outbreak that resulted in the deaths of at least 76 residents. Half of that money will be used to hire an ombudsman, who is an independent and impartial official who would provide oversight. The other half is for better equipment at the home.

“The beautiful thing about this is they’re independent, they’re impartial and you can really speak to them in confidence,” Velis said Monday, referring to the ombudsman. He said families had gone unheard at the facility previously. “The person who ended up suffering was the resident veteran.”

Veteran advocates and families, including members of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Coalition, have been pressing for an impartial ombudsman at the home for a while.

“The families certainly need a mechanism internally to be able to voice concerns, and truly, any health care institution needs a patient advocate,” said John Paradis, a member of the coalition. “It’s long overdue, it’s necessary and I’m hopeful that the state will put a person in there that has the credentials, background and knowledge to truly be able to advocate for the family members and for the veteran residents.”

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November 22, 2020 – Weekly Update

Hello Everyone,  

 This week the Senate unanimously passed our final FY2021 budget after a two-day debate concerning 450 amendments. This $46 billion budget makes important investments in the Commonwealth and local infrastructure, while remaining fiscally responsible during these unprecedented times. I am proud that my amendments allocating funds for local organizations in our district were also adopted during the debate.  

On Wednesday the Senate adopted my amendment providing $200,000 for the creation of an ombudsman’s office at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home and $200,000 for increased and improved resources to increase the quality for residents. The ombudsman office will be an independent and confidential resource for residents and families to turn to when issues or concerns with care arise, and will be able to properly investigate problems before they grow. In addition to these amendments, the Senate’s final budget appropriates $25.5 million to the Home’s administrative account, $1.5 million higher than last year’s funding, which will help the Home increase staffing levels and meet other deficiencies. The Senate’s level of commitment to the Home and our Veterans is clear, and these funding investments are powerful steps towards reforming the Home. 

On the first day of debate, the Senate adopted two of my other amendments allocating funds to organizations in our district. I was proud to secure $50,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield and another $50,000 for the Boys & Girls Club for Greater Holyoke, both of which have gone above and beyond throughout this pandemic to help those struggling in our communities. I was also glad to see my amendment was adopted to allocate $100,000 to Baystate Health and $50,000 to the Agawam Police Department for their opioid addiction treatment and prevention programs. Problems with opioid addiction and substance use disorders have only gotten worse during COVID-19, and it is critical that we are supporting our hospitals and first responders who work to help those struggling.  

One of the real tangible focuses in the Senate’s budget is on helping our economy and local communities recover from the lasting impact of COVID-19. The budget invests $46.4 million for a new Economic Planning and Response Program, which will provide grants and loans to small businesses. The budget also creates and funds programs to educate and train Massachusetts workers for new lines of work, including $40.6 million for adult basic education services and $10 million for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to help connect residents to jobs. To aid local communities, the budget appropriates $1.129 billion in unrestricted general government aid to support community investments and help municipalities recover.  

The Senate and House will now meet to work out differences between their two different budgets, before a finalized version is sent to the Governor for his consideration.  

Although budget debate and work took up almost all of my week, I still had a few events and meetings that I was able to attend. On Monday I spent some time at the Holyoke Boys & Girls Club handing out groceries to community members. Helping those struggling with food insecurity is one of the major ways the Club has stepped during this pandemic, and I was glad to help out. Tuesday morning my staff and I joined in on a call with Western Mass Housing First to talk about their work and how they are adapting with COVID-19 rates back on the rise.  

Thursday I joined the Massachusetts Airport Management Association and officials from Barnes Regional to receive updates from the Federal Aviation Association and MassDOT. And on Friday I had my bi-weekly meeting with Holyoke Community College President Royale, where we discussed remote classes and what resources the college has been providing to students.  

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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Senate Passes FY 2021 Budget

Includes increased funding for sectors impacted by COVID-19, including housing and childcare

(BOSTON – 11/18/2020) The Massachusetts State Senate on Wednesday unanimously passed a $46 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21), after adding $36.1 million in targeted investments over the course of two days of deliberations. Passed with bipartisan support, the budget aims to move the Commonwealth towards an equitable recovery by making critical investments in sectors impacted by COVID-19 including early education and childcare, food security, housing supports, and public health.

“With a second surge of COVID-19 upon us, we must do everything we can to shore up critical resources for those most in need so that we can begin to build towards an equitable recovery,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This unprecedented budget is a testament to the challenges we face as a Commonwealth, but I am confident Massachusetts will emerge stronger and more resilient than before. I am thankful for the hard work of Chair Rodrigues, his team, Vice Chair Friedman, Assistant Vice Chair Lewis and the entire Senate Committee on Ways and Means for the budget they produced and finalized under these very difficult circumstances.”

“Under difficult circumstances because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am proud of the Senate’s ability during these last two days to meet the moment, engage in respectful debate, take action to protect our most vulnerable and set the Commonwealth on a path toward an equitable recovery,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Under the leadership of Senate President Spilka, the Senate has taken important steps this week to confront the unprecedented challenges brought on by this public health crisis and pass a fiscally responsible budget plan that further protects access to child care, health care, housing, public transportation and economic opportunity. Thank you to my colleagues in the Senate for their tireless work and passionate advocacy over the course of our debate.”

“This budget makes important investments in our State and local infrastructure, while remaining fiscally responsible during these difficult and unprecedented times,” said Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield). “The Senate has made a strong commitment to maintaining critical levels of funding for education, health care, and transportation, while also making sure that those struggling during this pandemic are getting the support and financial relief that they need.”

As COVID-19 continues to spread across our Commonwealth, the Senate budget preserves access to essential services for our most vulnerable residents. The budget funds MassHealth at a total of $18.2 billion to maintain critical access to affordable health care coverage for over 1.9 million people, ensuring that comprehensive care for our most vulnerable children, seniors and low-income residents is protected in the middle of a public health crisis. The Senate’s budget also includes targeted investments to maintain and expand access to mental health care, while strengthening public health infrastructure at the local, state and regional level to combat the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Senate’s budget protects Massachusetts students and educational institutions. Continuing the Senate’s long-standing support of targeted investments in education, this budget holds harmless Chapter 70 funding in a manner consistent with the agreement reached between the Senate, House and Administration in July by providing $5.283 billion, an increase of $107.6 million over FY20. 

This additional level of investment will allow all school districts to maintain foundation spending levels while accounting for enrollment and inflation changes. The budget also includes $345 million for the Special Education (SPED) Circuit Breaker, reimbursing school districts for the cost of educating students with disabilities at the statutorily required 75% reimbursement rate. In addition to ensuring stability for the state’s K‑12 population, the Senate’s budget takes steps to invest in childcare providers and higher education institutions—both of which are critically important to the state’s economy and recovery in midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Senate’s budget recommends a total of $46 billion in spending, a 5.5% increase over the Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) General Appropriations Act. This spending recommendation is based on a revised tax revenue estimate of $27.592 billion, which provides for $3.558 billion less in available revenue than the original consensus revenue estimate originally agreed upon in January 2020. To close this anticipated revenue shortfall, the FY21 budget includes $1.5 billion from the Stabilization Fund, ensuring a majority of the Stabilization Fund balance remains for future years; $1.38 billion in available federal supports; and more than $400 million in new revenue initiatives. Among those initiatives, the budget includes provisions such as accelerated sales tax collection and a new fee structure for Transportation Network Companies. The budget also avoids drastic budget cuts while leaving the Commonwealth in a sound fiscal position moving forward.

Additional education investments include:

  • $5.283 billion for Chapter 70 education funding
  • $345 million for the Special Education Circuit Breaker
  • $115 million to reimburse public school districts for costs incurred when students leave to attend charter schools
  • $82.2 million to reimburse school districts for regional school transportation costs
  • $560.4 million for the University of Massachusetts, $308 million for the fifteen community colleges, and $285.5 million for the nine state universities; and $2 million for grants offered through the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative to support high school students with intellectual disabilities ages 18–22 with access to higher education opportunities
  • $40 million for a new reserve to cover parent fees for families receiving subsidized childcare for the remainder of FY 21
  • $3.0 million for Rural School Aid, after adding $1.5M on the floor
  • $1.5 million for the Civics Education Trust Fund

Additional health investments include:

  • $500.3 million for Adult Support Services, including assisted outpatient programming and comprehensive care coordination among health care providers
  • $163.6 million for a range of substance abuse treatment and intervention services
  • $94.5 million for children’s mental health services
  • $45.2 million for domestic violence prevention services
  • $35.4 million for early intervention services, to ensure supports are accessible and available to infants and young toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities
  • $17.5 million for Family Resource Centers to meet increased demand for services
  • $1.7 million for the State Action for Public Health Excellence (SAPHE) program to support a more effective local and regional public health delivery system

In addition to these health care investments, the Senate’s budget takes meaningful steps to expand access to care. It includes provisions that prohibit insurers from denying coverage for mental health services and primary care services solely because they were delivered on the same day in the same facility.  This important measure will remove a significant financial barrier to the integration of primary care and mental health. The budget, through the amendment process, also includes provisions that further expand reproductive health care options.

The Senate is committed to building an equitable recovery while dismantling the systemic barriers that exist in our society. To that end, the Senate’s budget creates and invests in programs to educate, train and prepare Massachusetts workers.

Opportunity investments include:

  • $40.6 million for adult basic education services to improve access to skills necessary to join the workforce
  • $20 million for summer jobs and work-readiness training for at-risk youth
  • a Community Empowerment and Reinvestment grant program to provide economic supports to communities disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system
  • $10 million for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to connect unemployed and under-employed workers with higher paying jobs
  • $6 million for Regional Economic Development Organizations to support economic growth in all regions of the state
  • $5 million for Community Foundations to provide emergency economic relief to historically underserved populations across the Commonwealth
  • $3 million for the Secure Jobs Connect program, providing job placement resources and assistance for homeless individuals
  • $2 million for the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership

Access to affordable housing, which has taken on new urgency for many during the COVID-19 pandemic, is a key Senate priority for recovery. The Senate’s budget recognizes the crucial importance of housing to the Commonwealth’s recovery efforts and invests over $540 million in housing stability programs to support many families, tenants and property owners in this time of crisis.

Housing investments include:

  • $180.7 million for Emergency Assistance Family Shelters
  • $135 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)
  • $50 million for Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT), as well as emergency changes to the RAFT program to increase the maximum amount of rental assistance that a household can receive from $4,000 to $10,000 and allow eligible households facing a housing crisis to access both RAFT and HomeBASE.
  • $53.4 million for assistance for homeless individuals
  • $27.2 million for the HomeBASE diversion and rapid re-housing programs
  • $12.5 million for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), which provides rental assistance to people with disabilities, and $2.5 million for grants to improve or create accessible affordable housing units
  • $10.5 million for housing vouchers for Department of Mental Health (DMH) clients to transition into housing and community-based services
  • $4.75 million for the Housing Consumer Education Centers (HCECs)
  • $3.9 million for the Home and Healthy for Good re-housing and supportive services program, including $250,000 for homeless LGBTQ+ youth
  • $2.5 million for the Office of Public Collaboration to support housing dispute mediation efforts across the Commonwealth
  • $1.3 million for the Tenancy Preservation Program 

In addition to these critical investments, this budget includes additional protection measures to ensure the state’s residents most at risk of eviction in the middle of a pandemic are kept safe and secure in their homes. Through the amendment process, the budget also includes a provision that would simplify the application process for RAFT and protect the credit rating of individuals who face eviction due to COVID-19 by sealing eviction records. This proposal provides additional protections and resources to tenants suffering a COVID-19-related financial hardship, as well as stability as they await short-term emergency rental assistance.

Food insecurity has become one of the most prevalent consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting children, adults and seniors alike. The Senate’s budget therefore prioritizes access to food resources across the Commonwealth.

Food insecurity investments include:

  • $30 million for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program
  • $13 million in Healthy Incentives Programs to ensure vulnerable households have continued access to food options during the pandemic
  • $1.2 million for Project Bread to support the Child Nutrition Outreach Program (CNOP) and the FoodSource Hotline

The Senate’s budget supports cities and towns while allowing them flexibility to confront the unique challenges facing them by directing significant resources to local and regional aid.  This includes increased funding for Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) to $94 million to ensure that commuters, students, seniors and people with disabilities have access to reliable public transportation during this time of critical need. Along with traditional local aid, the Senate’s budget level funds payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for state-owned land to $30 million.  PILOT funding has been a beneficial source of local aid that provides cities and towns with additional resources to support core public services.

Local investments include:

  • $1.129 billion for unrestricted general government aid to support community investments in education, health care, public safety and roads and bridges
  • $32.6 million for the Board of Library Commissioners, $11.5 million for regional library local aid, $12 million for municipal libraries and $4.4 million for technology and automated resources
  • $18.2 million for the Massachusetts Cultural Council to support local arts, culture and creative economy initiatives
  • $17 million for local Councils on Aging to strengthen programs and services in senior centers in communities across the state.

A Conference Committee will now convene to reconcile the differences between the Senate budget and the version passed by the House of Representatives last week.

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Senator Velis Secures Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Amendment in Budget Debate

BOSTON (11/19/2020)

The Massachusetts State Senate unanimously adopted an amendment sponsored by Senator John C. Velis that provides $200,000 for the creation of an ombudsman’s office at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home and $200,000 for increased and improved resources for residents. In remarks given on the Senate floor, Senator Velis stressed the importance of instituting an ombudsman’s office.

“This office will be an independent, impartial, and confidential resource for residents and families to turn to when issues and concerns with care arise,” said Senator Velis. “Having someone directly on the ground at the Home, who can properly investigate problems before they worsen is critical, and this ombudsman would be that oversight that the Home so desperately needs.”

Senator Velis, a Veteran and Major in the U.S. Army Reserves, currently sits on the Legislative Soldiers’ Home Oversight Committee and has been a part of public hearings and listening sessions with residents, families and staff. He referenced these sessions in his remarks.

“I have heard from families and Veterans time and time again of the great relationships that residents form at the Home, and how Veterans want to live there and be around others who have also served,” said Senator Velis. “What has also become apparent, is that there is not enough support for the residents and families at the Home. This amendment begins to fix that.”

The $200,000 allocated for supplies and resources will go to a variety of different initiatives, and Senator Velis stated that he wanted to give the Home the flexibility to spend the funds where they were needed most. In the Senate’s COVID-19 Supplemental budget that was passed in July, Senator Velis had also secured $250,000 for increased Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at the Home, which has since been disbursed.

“In the supplemental budget the priority was to get more PPE to the Home, because that was really the immediate concern that we were hearing about at that time,” said Senator Velis. “Now we need to focus on how to improve the quality of care more generally, whether that be new commodities, improved sanitation, or other investments.”

In addition to these amendments, the Senate’s Final Budget appropriates $25.5M to the Home’s administrative account, $1.5M higher than last year’s funding.  Senator Velis noted his appreciation to the Senate Ways & Means Committee for their collaboration throughout the budget process, and stated that this support will help the Home increase staffing levels and meet other deficiencies.

Late Wednesday night, the senate passed the final budget. Next, the Senate and House will meet in conference committee to work out differences between the two versions, before a finalized budget is sent to the Governor for his consideration.

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