Russell – Senator John Velis

December 21, 2020

December 20th, 2020 – Weekly Update

Hello Everyone,

I hope you all are doing well and staying safe. We had quite a bit of snow this week, and I want to thank all the first responders and public works employees who were on call in our district.

I was lucky enough to begin this past week listening to my good friend Senator Mike Rush sing “The Army Goes Rolling Along” over Zoom. Some of you might remember that me and the Senator, who is also a Lt. Commander in the US Navy Reserves, had a friendly bet on the Army-Navy football game last weekend. Luckily, the outcome was in my favor. In addition to the fun singing, the Senator made a donation to the Holyoke Soldiers Home and I made a donation to the Fisher House of Boston in his district, both great organizations serving our Vets. You can see the recording of the Senator’s performance on my social media, @SenJohnVelis.

On Monday I met with Representative-Elect Pat Duffy via video-chat, who will be the new State Representative for Holyoke starting in January. I also had the honor of speaking with Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou, the Greek Ambassador to the United States. We discussed my recent re-election and other Greek legislators throughout the country.

This past Tuesday, I remotely recorded an interview with Comcast Newsmakers. I went over the recent FY21 budget that the legislature passed and answered questions on my amendments securing funding for the Holyoke Soldiers Home. The interview will be released in the New Year and will be available on YouTube and Comcast on-demand. Later in the day, I had a phenomenal virtual meeting with the Holyoke Rotary Club where we discussed how COVID-19 has affected state finances and in turn how that has impacted municipalities.

During these difficult times it has been incredible to see the ways our community has stepped up to help those struggling, especially those facing food insecurity issues. On Wednesday night, I joined Holyoke community members for the 5^th annual Holyoke Community Dinner Celebration, where we handed out meals and chatted with residents driving through. Friday afternoon I joined the Russell Police Department for their food drive and handed out Christmas Dinner boxes to community members. I’m so grateful for the organizations, sponsors, and volunteers who organized these events!

This week I am also happy to report that Westfield and Chicopee were both selected by MassDOT as grant winners for the Shared Streets and Spaces Program, which provides funds to municipalities to improve public spaces and increase safe mobility. Westfield will be receiving a little more than $225,000 to upgrade and expand existing sidewalks in the City and to improve facilities at adjacent PVTA bus stops. Chicopee will be receiving just above $75,000 to develop a network of mixed-use lanes for pedestrians and cyclists in Chicopee Center.

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

Senator Velis with the Russell Police Department on Friday, 12/18 for the Christmas Food Drive

Senator Velis with the Holyoke Rotary Club on Tuesday, 12/15

November 24, 2020

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.

November 16, 2020

November 15th, 2020 – Weekly Update

Hi Everyone,

I hope you all are doing well and have been able to take advantage of some of the warm weather we have had recently. This past week was packed full of meetings throughout the district and I was honored to participate in several Veterans Day ceremonies as well.

I began my week at the Holyoke Medical Center for a meeting with HMC President Hatiras, Representative Vega, and Representative-Elect Duffy where we discussed how services for patients have changed in recent months. Later in the day, I stopped by the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home to drop off over 500 letters from students in our district that were distributed to Veterans this week. The letters were truly heartwarming, and full of appreciation for our Veterans and their service. I know how much they meant to the Veterans and am inspired by how thoughtful the students in our community are.

On Tuesday morning I was glad to join the Forum House and Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition at the Short Stop Bar and Grill in Westfield, where I had the privilege of recognizing Short Stop and the Hannoush family for their work with adults with mental illnesses. It is phenomenal to see businesses and organizations in our community diversifying their workforce and collaborating together, and I was happy to be a part of the recognition ceremony.

Although our usual Veterans Day celebrations may have been restricted this year, it was amazing to see all the different ways that our communities showed their appreciation for our Veterans. I began the day in Agawam at the Vietnam Memorial Bridge for a moving ceremony with the Agawam Veterans Council, the West Springfield VSO, and the Agawam Police Department. We were also joined by students of Agawam High School who played Taps during the ceremony. Later in the morning, I joined Westfield community members and Veterans at Parker Memorial Park, where I was honored to speak and thank our Veterans. And Wednesday evening I joined Congressman Seth Moulton and several other Veterans for a virtual Veterans Town Hall event where we shared experiences and talked about what our service means to us. I couldn’t be more grateful to have been a part of all these amazing events, and I am proud to be a part of a community that appreciates our Veterans so much. Everything that we have in our lives, everything that we so often take for granted, is due to the sacrifices of our service members, and we are all so thankful for the men and women who have served our great country.

On Thursday morning, I had a virtual meeting with the New England Cable and Telecommunications Association, where I received updates about how the expansion of broadband access to the Hilltowns is going. During these times, it is critical that every community has access to internet, and I was encouraged by the progress that has taken place.

Thursday afternoon the Senate Committee on Ways and Means released their final Fiscal Year 2021 State Budget recommendation. I believe that this budget has made important investments in our State and local infrastructure, while remaining fiscally responsible during these difficult economic times. The Committee’s budget recommends a total of $45.985 billion in spending. Some of the highlights in the budget recommendation include $5.283 billion for Chapter 70 education funding, $18.577 billion for MassHealth funding, more than $540 million in housing stability programs, and $1.129 billion in unrestricted general government aid for local investments in education, health care, public safety and road infrastructure. I am also pleased that there is significant support for those who have been hit hardest by COVID-19, including a new Economic Planning and Resource Program that will fund more than $40 million in grants and loans to small businesses.

I am also extremely happy to announce that the Senate prioritized the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home in the Senate budget. The Senate included an additional $1,000,000 for the Home in the budget recommendation, totaling $25M. This will provide much needed support to the residents and staff, and emphasizes the Senate’s strong commitment towards the Home and our Veterans.

I am proud to be apart of the Senate and to continue working to make the Home the best it can be. Next week the Senate will debate the Senate budget, and changes and additions will be made through amendments. After the budget is debated by the Senate, the Senate and the House will then work out the differences between their respective versions, before sending a finalized one to the Governor’s desk.

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

*Senator Velis delivering letters from students to the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home for Veterans Day*

September 28, 2020

September 27th, 2020 – Weekly Update

Hello Everyone,

I hope you all had a great week. I have some updates regarding PFAS, Climate Project Grants, and RMV services to share this week, in addition to sharing about some meetings I had.

This past Thursday, the Department of Environmental Protection announced new regulations to protect our drinking water from PFAS with the biggest change being a new Maximum Containment Level of 20 ppt per the sum of 6 compounds. This new level provides a much higher degree of protection compared to the previous guidance of 70 ppt and Public Water Systems will have to begin quarterly sampling for PFAS in 2021. This is such an important change; one that has been truly years in the making. Westfield was selected along with nine other communities to receive a $200,000 grant to continue their research and engineering on completely removing PFAS contamination from our water systems. As Westfield’s State Rep., I worked closely with City Councilor Kristen Mello and other community members to bring our concerns to the State’s attention. After hard work from all involved, I’m ecstatic that action like this is finally taking place. The ultimate goal is to have water completely free of PFAS. These new regulations and funding are important steps towards that goal and in the meantime help to protect our communities and our health.

Earlier this month, the RMV announced special hours for those 74 and older to renew their licenses in person. While this is an excellent initiative, the lack of currently open locations in Western Massachusetts means that many residents are unable to access these special hours. Last week, I joined many of my Western Mass. legislative colleagues in writing a letter to Secretary Pollack of MassDOT expressing concerns and requesting that the RMV locations in Greenfield and Easthampton be reopened. Our letter pointed out many of the transportation issues that exist with current locations and stressed the importance of extending senior hours to Western Mass. residents. This week, MassDOT announced that the Greenfield RMV location will be reopening on October 13^th, with dedicated Senior Service hours on Wednesdays. While this is no doubt an improvement, I am disappointed that Easthampton was not included, and am going to continue to work with my colleagues on this issue. If you are ever experiencing difficulties with the RMV, whether it be getting a license or even just getting in contact with someone, please reach out to my office. We will place an inquiry, and have been highly successful at resolving issues.

Last week it was also announced that the State would be providing climate resiliency grants to cities and towns through the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program. The goal of this program is to identify climate hazards, develop strategies to improve resilience, and implement action to adapt to climate change. Several communities in the 2^nd Hampden and Hampshire received grants. Holyoke received a $135,000 grant for their Urban Forest Equity Plan. Easthampton received a $175,000 grant for Green Infrastructure and Resiliency Design for the City’s Cherry Street Project. Agawam received a $216,000 grant for their Stormwater Master Plan. Granville also received a $27,000 grant for further Climate Change planning. It’s critical that we continue to address climate hazards that arise and these funds will go a long way in helping our communities invest in that work.

This past Tuesday evening, I had a meeting with the Russell Board of Selectman to discuss the Woronoco Bridge project. I look forward to continued conversations as I learn more about how I can best assist with this project as well as others in the town.

Wednesday was a day full of virtual meetings for me. I began with a Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus Meeting where I discussed some of the district specific issues we are facing with my legislative colleagues. Later that afternoon, Representative Dan Carey and I hosted a virtual discussion and briefing on Adult Day Programs in Western Mass with many of our legislative colleagues in attendance. We had quite a few groups join us, including Riverside Industries, Valley Educational Associates, and Sunshine Village. It was eye-opening to hear of some of the challenges they have faced as a result of COVID-19 and it is clear that many are struggling during these difficult financial times. I’m grateful for their work in our communities and I will continue to work to help them respond and recover. Later that afternoon, I had a legislative call with Senator-Elect Adam Gomez and local restaurant owners where we discussed Sports Gambling legislation and its possible impacts on our businesses and communities.

On Thursday I joined the Department of Veterans Services, the architecture firm Payette, and various veteran organizations for a zoom call discussing the plans for a new Holyoke Soldiers Home. It is critical that the input of veterans organizations and community members who know the home well is taken into account. Payette is looking for more input from the community and if anyone is interested in completing a survey in regards to what the new Home should provide, please reach out to my office.

Friday my staff joined the Easthampton Council on Aging to hand out lunches to residents who came by. Later that afternoon I had my bi-weekly meeting with President Royal of Holyoke Community College, where we discussed how the start of classes has been going. On Saturday, I joined community members and volunteers to spend some time cleaning up the Westfield River. It’s always encouraging to see so many of our community out working together and it always feels good to get outside and make a tangible impact on our natural surroundings.

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

Sincerely,

John C. Velis

August 31, 2020

August 30th, 2020 – Weekly Update

Happy end of August!

It feels very strange to be at the end of summer, but here we are. This week was full of meetings and events in the district, with some important COVID and unemployment updates as well.

I started off Monday morning by having a virtual meeting with Riverside Industries, who provides individualized skill development and employment options for adults living with developmental disabilities. Later that afternoon, I had calls with Dr. Vazquez Matos, Holyoke’s Superintendent, and Jen Willard, Southwick/Tolland/Granville Regional’s Superintendent to talk about their reopening plans. I will continue working with administration, teachers, and families moving forward as the school year begins. I wrapped up Monday by meeting with Baystate Health and Mike Knapik. I have been able to secure funding earmarks for Baystate over the past several years, and it was great to discuss some of the good work that has come about as a result.

Tuesday afternoon, I was in Russell at the Senior Center and Town Hall where I passed out lunches and talked to residents about the things that are on their minds. Many thanks to Russell’s Council on Aging for organizing these lunches, which will be continued in September on both Tuesdays and Thursdays. Make sure to reach out to 413-862-6205 to reserve a lunch! I am always trying to get out and meet with constituents whenever possible, and was able to attend a Zoom Meeting with Southwick residents of the Lake Management Committee on Thursday to hear about their work with Congamond Lake.

On Wednesday morning, I had the pleasure of attending the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of Runway 15-33 at Barnes Regional Airport. The reconstruction work was completed on-time and under budget, thanks to federal, state and local funding sources. These types of projects are great for the airport, and for our community, and I’m happy I could be a part! Later that afternoon, I had a meeting with Mayor Sapelli of Agawam. We discussed a number of issues, and went over to the Agawam Fire Department to go over some of their specific needs as a department.

Thursday was one of the most eye-opening days I can remember of recent. I woke up early to join the Violent Fugitive Apprehension West Unit (VFAS) of the State Police for a ride-along. The VFAS Unit handles some of the most dangerous and complex criminal investigations in our state, which on this day, involved pursuing a major drug distributer in Holyoke among other things. Seeing the officers in action, and learning about how they plan and carry out these comprehensive investigations, was an incredible experience, and one I will not forget.

Friday Morning, I had an extensive meeting with Secretary of Veterans Services Cheryl Poppe at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. Secretary Poppe was recently appointed by Governor Baker, and we had a in-depth conversation on funding levels for the Home, and how the Home will look moving forward. My office has requested enormous amounts of data and records so that we can do a deep dive into how the Home can improve, and I will continue to advocate for the needs of residents and staff wherever possible. Later Friday afternoon, I had my bi-weekly meeting with the administration of Holyoke Community College, where we talked about the fall and how the school is adapting its plans.

This week, the Commonwealth’s Stop-The-Spread COVID-19 free testing initiative was expanded to Holyoke. The testing will be done by Drive-Through at Holyoke Community College, with no appointment needed. You do not have to be a resident of Holyoke, or have any symptoms of COVID-19 to get a test. The site will be open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 7-11AM, and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-7PM. You can contact (413) 322-5595 with questions, or you can reach out to my office.

This State also announced this week that Massachusetts has been approved by FEMA to receive grant funding for the federal Lost Wages Supplemental Payment Assistance program. This grant will fund an additional $300 weekly unemployment benefit to those who were eligible for unemployment and made claims for the weeks ending 8/1/20, 8/8/20, and 8/15/20. Eligible claimants currently receiving benefits do not need to take any action, and the State anticipates the funds will be delivered automatically to claimants by 9/15/20.

As always, if there is anything I can do to assist you, please never hesitate to reach out to my office. I can be reached at my email: john.velis@masenate.gov or phone: (413) 572-3920. Additionally, my new website: senatorjohnvelis.com is being updated each day!

Sincerely,

John C. Velis

Senator Velis in Russell with constituents

Ribbon cutting ceremony for runway 15-33 at Barnes Regional Airport

Senator Velis speaking at ribbon cutting ceremony at Barnes Regional Airport

August 25, 2020August 25, 2020

Velis secures $7.5 million for district roads

July 18, 2020 – The Westfield News – Hope E. Tremblay

BOSTON – Funding for Westfield, Southwick and surrounding communities was included in a $17 billion borrowing bill approved July 16 by the Sente for transportation and infrastructure improvements.

State Sen. John C. Velis, D-Westfield, helped secure $7.5 million for transportation projects in the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District, which is comprised of Agawam, Easthampton, Granville, Holyoke, Montgomery, Russell, Southampton, Southwick, Tolland, Westfield and part of Chicopee.

“At the end of the day, what matters most to me is being able to bring my work on Beacon Hill back home,” said Velis. “Advocating for our improvements to our roadways and transportation infrastructure will always be a major priority of mine, and I am proud that I was able to secure $7.5 million in the Senate Bond Bill for transportation projects across our cities and towns. I am thankful to all the local officials who worked with my office on this bill, and hope that the Governor now taps these projects to be included in his capital plan.”

The bill passed 36-4, with the Senate’s four-man Republican caucus voting in opposition. Explaining why he would not support the bill, Minority Leader Bruce Tarr cited the inclusion of a business-opposed provision to allow municipalities to increase local taxes and use the funding for transportation projects, reports Sam Doran of State House News Service. An amendment by Democrat Sen. Diana DiZoglio which would have struck that section was defeated 8-31. Sen. Susan Moran, who joined the Senate after a May special election, gave her inaugural speech on a successful amendment to add $350 million in funding toward replacement of the Bourne and Sagamore bridges. Also Thursday, the Senate and House worked in concert to send to Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk bills addressing mosquito control and take-out cocktails during the COVID-19 era.

Velis secured the following local funds:

$2.5mil for Northampton St./RT.5 in Holyoke

$870,000 for Greenway bikeway in Southampton

$600,000 for Congamond Road in Southwick

$1mil for roadway improvements in Westfield

$2.53 mil to be shared equally in Agawam, Easthampton, Granville, Montgomery and Russell for road improvements.