Category: Senate Session

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Senate Passes Legislation Ensuring Safe Patient Access to Emergency Care

(BOSTON – 10/22/2020) The Massachusetts State Senate today passed An Act to ensure safe patient access to emergency care, also known as “Laura’s Law,” in memory of Somerville resident Laura Beth Levis, who died in 2016 from an asthma attack just steps from an emergency-room door.

Levis, 34, was a vibrant, Harvard University editor who walked to the emergency room of CHA Somerville Hospital before dawn one September morning but was unable to get inside. Her attack intensified, and she collapsed before help could arrive. Numerous safety failures at the hospital, including inadequate ER signage, lighting, and an abandoned hospital security desk, all played a role in her tragic death.

“Laura Levis’ death was preventable, and this bill takes common sense steps to protect others in similar situations,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D – Ashland). “Peter DeMarco’s efforts to share his wife’s story speak to his remarkable resolve and commitment to helping others. I am grateful to him, as well as Senators Pat Jehlen, Michael Rodrigues, and Jo Comerford for proactively leading the way to make sure that Laura’s story is not repeated.”

“When people are in need of emergency services, every minute counts and the dim lights and unclear signage took minutes from Laura that cost her life,” said Senator Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville), the lead Senate sponsor of the bill. “We simply do not want this to happen to anyone again, and we believe this legislation is one step toward saving lives with clear signage, lighting, way finding and better security monitoring of emergency department entrances.”

“This is a commonsense bill that will save lives,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Access to emergency care starts with making sure emergency rooms are clearly identifiable and reachable for patients in crisis. I applaud Senator Jehlen for her hard work on this important bill and my colleagues in the Committee for advancing it to the Senate for consideration.”

“Needless tragedies like what happened to Laura Levis must never happen again,” said Senator Jo Comerford, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health (D-Northampton). “Thanks to the leadership of Senator Jehlen, the Senate President, and our Senate Ways and Means Chair, the Senate took action today to make sure that our emergency rooms are well-lit, well-marked, and accessible day and night. I hope this bill quickly advances to the Governor and becomes law.”

“A well placed sign with clearly understandable directions can not only prevent navigating a hospital campus from being a burden, it can save a life when time counts in an emergency,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R – Gloucester). “This bill will ensure that some simple and powerful tools are always at work when we need them to get access to care.”

Laura’s story was chronicled in the Boston Globe story “Losing Laura,” written by her husband, Peter DeMarco, who has worked with Jehlen and Barber’s offices on passing the bill.

“We assume that hospitals have proper signage and lighting and security, but Laura’s death proves that isn’t always true. The hospital where Laura went didn’t even have something as simple as an illuminated Emergency sign above the right door for her to have used,” DeMarco said. “If Laura’s Law had existed that sign would have existed. She would have walked through the door, and she’d be alive today.”

Under Laura’s Law, the Department of Public Health would be required to create state standards for all hospital in Massachusetts to ensure safe, timely and accessible access to emergency departments.

According to DeMarco’s Globe story, Laura chose a locked door to try to access the emergency room because the correct door was not properly marked. Though Laura was on surveillance video, the hospital security desk was left unattended all night, so no one saw her. When a nurse from the emergency department eventually looked out the door for Laura, she did not see her, as the spot where Laura collapsed was in near darkness.

“Laura lost every coin flip that morning. But If you’re having an asthma attack, or a heart attack, or you are about to die from a drug overdose, a single impediment to getting inside an emergency room as quickly as possible can mean the difference between life or death,” DeMarco said. “I hope so much that through Laura’s death, someone else’s life will be saved. It’s why this bill needs to pass.”

Laura’s Law would not go into effect until after the governor’s Covid-19 state of emergency has been lifted. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

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Legislature Passes Legislation to Extend Unemployment Benefits to 17,000 Low-Income Recipients

(BOSTON – 10/26/2020) The Massachusetts State Senate and House of Representatives passed An Act relative to additional unemployment benefits for the neediest recipients currently excluded from the Lost Wages Assistance program today, filed less than two weeks ago by Sens. Jehlen and Lesser. The bill would enhance unemployment benefits for 17,000 people in Massachusetts by as much as $1800 each. Thousands of people were left out of the Lost Wages Assistance Grant to extend $300 weekly payment boosts to people collecting unemployment benefits by a restrictive Trump Administration rule.

 “This legislation will make the necessary changes to make sure people with less than $100 in weekly benefits receive that $1800 in added income,” said Senator Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville). “Just last week I heard from a neighbor and constituent who was short $2 in his weekly benefit to receive the $1800 in Lost Wages Assistance. The state investment in raising the minimum benefit will bring $31million to Massachusetts residents for rent, for food and other expenses.”

“The Senate is laser focused on assisting those most in need, especially as we continue to tackle the dueling challenges posed by the global pandemic and economic crisis,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This legislation speaks to that commitment and will help assist residents in obtaining lost wages as a result of the ongoing public health emergency. I would like to thank Senators Pat Jehlen, Eric Lesser and Michael Rodrigues, as well as Speaker Robert DeLeo and his colleagues for working to quickly usher this bill to the governor’s desk.”

“This boost to unemployment compensation for those affected by the Trump Administration rule is a critical measure to alleviate unnecessary hardship for 17,000 of the most vulnerable people across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Eric Lesser (D-Longmeadow). “I am proud of this bill’s swift passage and hope that Governor Baker quickly signs off to give people the ability to purchase food, pay their rent, and stay warm as we head into colder weather.”

The bill first went through the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development before making it to the Senate floor for a vote. Senator John Velis (D-Westfield) sits on this committee and stressed the importance of meeting the needs of those who are struggling.

“This bill will have a tangible impact on those who are really hurting from the effects of this pandemic,” said Senator Velis. “Many people have been unable to get these additional federal funds from the LWA program, and this legislation will fix that issue and ensure that those in our community are getting the benefits that they need. I’m grateful to my colleagues in the legislature who have led on this. “

In August, the Federal Emergency Management Agency began accepting applications for the Lost Wages Assistance program. The Trump White House included a restriction that banned people receiving less than $100 a week in benefits from receiving the LWA boost of $300 a week.

Massachusetts was approved for 6 weeks of LWA compensation for every eligible recipient, covering the weeks ending August 1 to September 5. Numerous states acted to increase weekly benefit amounts, including neighboring RI and NH, so that no recipient of unemployment would be left out of receiving the boost. Over 100 legislators wrote on September 24 to Secretary Rosalin Acosta to ask the state to implement a similar increase in weekly benefit amounts for Massachusetts recipients.

In discussions with the legislature, the Baker-Polito administration has indicated that with a small investment of state dollars to increase base benefits retroactively, up to $31M could be returned to the state from the FEMA program. The Department of Unemployment Assistance has been negotiating with FEMA since the legislators issued their request. In an answer legislators received, FEMA advised: “It is possible to make an individual an eligible claimant for LWA from the week ending August 1, 2020, if they are monetarily eligible for at least a $100 weekly benefit amount…”

The legislation will authorize the Baker-Polito Administration to implement an increase to unemployment compensation for every recipient in Massachusetts not receiving at least $100 in weekly benefits. This enhancement would be applied retroactively to roughly 17,000 recipients.

Update 10/28/2020 – Governor Baker has signed this bill into law.

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2nd Holyoke Soldiers’ Home hearing will feature staff accounts of coronavirus outbreak

October 27, 2020 – MassLive/The Republican – Stephanie Barry, Photo by Don Treeger

HOLYOKE — The second hearing before a legislative oversight committee on the COVID-19 crisis at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke is set to highlight accounts from staff who cared for sick and dying patients during the outbreak.

The hearing Tuesday at Holyoke Community College comes a week after an initial, in-person hearing largely featuring families of veterans. They testified about fathers and husbands who were sickened by or succumbed to the virus as the state-run nursing home for veterans reportedly descended into chaos.

……

State Sen. John Velis, D-Westfield, represents a district that includes Holyoke and is a veteran himself. He said he and his staff have mulled feedback he received in “listening sessions” with families over the summer and the first round of hearings.

Velis said he plans to press witnesses on Tuesday about the need for an ombudsman to act as conduit between the veterans and their families and the staff and administrators of the Soldiers’ Home.

“Families and residents need an independent, impartial and confidential person to talk to when things come up,” Velis said. “An ombudsman would be that independent watchdog on the ground who investigates issues when they arise.”

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State Senate in Strong Support of Bringing F-35A Fighter Jets to 104th Fighter Wing

BOSTON (10/22/2020) 

On Thursday the Massachusetts State Senate adopted a resolution to support the assignment of F-35A fighter jets to the National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing in the City of Westfield. The resolution, which was filed by Senate President Karen Spilka and adopted unanimously, was directed towards U.S. Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett and Major General Gary Keefe, the State Adjutant General.  

The resolution noted that the “assigned F-15C aircraft will meet the end of its service life within the decade, requiring 104th Fighter Wing to convert to the next generation of fighter aircraft to sustain its relevance in the national defense strategy and the continued vitality of Barnes Air National Guard Base.” 

Senator John Velis, who represents Westfield, was among those in support of the resolution. Last month, Velis sent his own letter to Secretary Barrett to express his support for the 104th Fighter Wing to be selected to receive the F-35A assignment.  

“In that letter I noted some of the key reasons why the 104th is so uniquely poised for these F-35As. The accomplished legacy of the Wing, the strategic and optimal location between major metropolitan cities and our Eastern Seaboard, the high caliber level of guardsmen and training… these are all things I mentioned and are clear indications in my mind that the 104th Fighter Wing should be selected,” said Velis. “It’s phenomenal to have the support of the entire State Senate on this, and I couldn’t be happier to see this resolution get adopted today.” 

 Senator Velis also noted the great impact that this would have on the future of the base and the overall benefits this investment would bring to the City of Westfield.  “The 104th Fighter Wing is one of the most respected Fighter Wings in the Combat Air Forces and one of the oldest flying units in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Going through this airframe conversion will allow the Fighter Wing to operate through 2070.” said Velis. “The benefits that the Fighter Wing brings to our local economy and community are known far and wide, and this investment would just be so great for our long-term stability.”  

Currently, the 104th Fighter Wing is in consideration for the F-35A, and are awaiting notification for an Air Combat Command led site survey. After the completion of the site survey, the Secretary of the Air Force will likely select Preferred and Reasonable Alternative locations by the end of the winter. The final decision for basing is anticipated in summer 2021. 

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Velis carries bi-partisan record from House to Senate

October 10, 2020 – The Westfield News – The Westfield Newsroom

BOSTON – Before state Sen. John C. Velis won his election to the Massachusetts State Senate on May 19 of this year, he served as state representative for the 4th Hampden district in the House of Representatives since 2014. In his time in the house, he was widely known for having one of the most bi-partisan and independent records in the state legislature, and frequently voted across party lines.

Velis has carried his independent record from the House to the Senate, and in the fourth months since being sworn in, he has crossed party lines several times. In his four months in office, there have been 96 roll call votes in the Senate on either a bill or an amendment. Of those 96 votes, 16 have been contested with 15 being split on party lines. Of those 15 votes split on party lines, Velis has crossed over to vote with the Republican delegation 10 times. The remaining 80 votes were either unanimous, where Republicans and Democrats voted together, unanimous except for one legislator, or related to procedural matters.

When asked about this pattern, Velis stressed the importance of viewing a piece of legislation on its merits, not by what political party brings it forward: “When I am voting on a bill or amendment, I am always thinking of what the legislation will actually accomplish and what is best for my constituents and our district,” said Velis. “My job is not to simply follow what others in my political party are doing, and I firmly believe that both a Republican and a Democrat are capable of coming up with a good idea.”

The 15 roll call votes in question covered a variety of different issues, from mail-in voting processes, to police reform, to transportation funding. One of the more contentious votes was on amendment #230 in Senate Bill 2813 – An Act Authorizing Accelerating Transportation Investment. This amendment would have removed a provision from the bill that enables local and regional transportation ballot initiatives for imposition of tax surcharges. This is more commonly known as an override of Proposition 2 and ½. Velis was one of only four Democrats to cross over and vote with the Republican delegation for this amendment, which would have protected cities and towns from this possible increase in taxation. With 36 Democrats in the Senate and only four Republicans, many wondered if Velis might be pressured to side with Democratic leadership in more contentious debates, as it is unconventional for newly elected officials to cross party lines early on in their first term. When asked about this, Velis stressed that the key to maintaining strong relationships in the legislature is by being transparent and open.

I am always up front with my colleagues about concerns or issues I have with legislation,” said Velis. “In my humble opinion, the most important is compromise. My experience and my years in politics have shown me that the people we represent are better served when Republicans and Democrats work together.”

This voting record demonstrates that Velis has continued his bi-partisan nature from his time in the House to the Senate, and establishes him as one of the most independent legislators in the State of the Massachusetts. The current legislative session continues throughout the end of this calendar year.

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Western Mass. legislators urge Governor to look to the west when appointing a justice to the Supreme Judicial Court

September 29, 2020 – MassLive – Jeanette DeForge

A total of 18 legislators who represent the four counties in Western Massachusetts are joining the effort to urge Gov. Charlie Baker to fill at least one of two vacant seats on the Supreme Judicial Court with a resident from Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden or Hampshire County.

The senators and representatives sent a letter to the governor arguing that the state’s highest court does not have any justices who have served or lived in the western part of the state and called for more regional balance in the state’s highest court.

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Those who signed the letter are Sens. Jo Comerford, Eric Lesser, Adam G. Hinds and John Velis. The Representatives are Aaron Vega, Natalie M. Blais, Joseph F. Wagner, Brian Ashe, Nicholas Boldyga, Michael J. Finn, Mindy Domb, Susannah Whipps, Todd Smola, John Barrett III, Tricia Farley-Bouvier, Lindsay Sabadosa, Jose Tosado and Daniel R. Carey.

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September 20th, 2020 – Weekly Update

Hello all,

This week was the start of school for many in our district and I hope all students had a great first week. We are all so thankful for our teachers, who have adapted in so many different ways, and for all the staff behind the scenes who have been working so hard to welcome our students back.

I thought I would share some updates on the Commonwealth’s budget process this week. As some of you may know, the legislature did not pass a full fiscal-year budget this past summer as usual; instead opting for a interim budget that carries us through October. One reason for this is because we did not know how the federal government was going to act or what their budget was going to look like. As much our budget is based off what we receive from the federal government, this lack of federal action has made handling our state budget difficult.  Furthermore, since the income tax deadline was extended from March 15 to July 15, final tax revenues were delayed, and it would’ve been hard to do a budget without knowing our total revenue. All this being said, we are still working hard on a full fiscal-year budget that will take us from November through the end of July. With groups and entities being asked to do more with less, this year more than ever Senators and Representatives are going to have to work extremely hard to make sure their districts get what they need.

October will be a crucial month for budget deliberation, and my job will be to meet with as many stakeholders out there as possible so that I can learn more about their needs and advocate for them. I have no doubt that this coming month will be one of the busiest I have ever had in elected office as I work to ensure that Westfield and the other 10 cities and towns in our [C(1] district get their fair share in the budget. This work has really already started, as this past Wednesday I met with Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues to talk about the budget, our districts needs, and the priorities I have for this year.

On Wednesday, I also had an in-depth meeting with Tapestry Health in Holyoke. I currently sit on the Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery Joint Committee in the legislature and it’s crucial for me to get out and see the actual work taking place on the ground. In addition to running our local rapid COVID-19 testing site in Agawam, Tapestry has a huge impact on those dealing with mental health and substance use and we need to continue to support those in our community who are facing these issues.

Tuesday morning, I joined Southwick’s Council on Aging to talk with seniors as part of their “Tuesday Talks” with elected officials. It was great to have a chance to talk to directly to constituents about what’s on their minds, and explain a little bit about my work.

At the end of our Senate session this past Thursday, I was honored to put forth a motion to adjourn in memory of long-time Holyoke resident Marty Dunn. Marty was a former Mayor of Holyoke, a former State Senator from the Hampden and Hampshire district, and an incredible community leader. He taught me so much about Holyoke and beyond. His kindness and generosity were known far and wide. I will miss him greatly and am proud I could put forth this motion in his honor.

Earlier Thursday morning, I joined the Holyoke Taxpayers Association virtually for their annual meeting where it was great to see some new and friendly faces. During lunchtime, I headed over to the Westfield Senior Center to join the Council on Aging and the Westfield Police Department to  hand out some drive-by lunches to residents. We handed out over 180 lunches, all while wearing purple to honor World Alzheimer’s month this September. I had some great conversations, and can’t thank the WPD and the COA enough for all that they do. After some work in the office, I had a walking meeting with Rebecca Hart regarding the Westfield Food Pantry. They’re applying for a grant for a mobile food truck and it was great to hear about the expansion! I wrapped up my day by joining Westfield State’s Annual Foundation Meeting to talk about some of the great work the they do for our students.

This past Friday was National Prisoners of War/Missing Action (POW/MIA) Recognition day. We must always remember and recognize the sacrifices of those in our military who were Prisoners of War and those who are still missing to those day. Their service to our nation will never be forgotten and we must never cease our search for all those who remain missing.  Wednesday evening, I attended a MIA/POW Candlelight Ceremony at Pine Hill Cemetery Chapel in Westfield where I gave our service members and their families my thoughts and prayers.

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 at the Westfield Senior Center on Thursday with the Westfield Police Department and Westfield Council on Aging. They handed out over 180 lunches and wore purple in honor of World Alzheimer’s Month
Senator Velis at the Southwick Senior Center on Tuesday for their “Tuesday Talks with Elected Officials”
Adjournment order for Martin J. Dunn of Holyoke, Senate Session 9/17/2020
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Legislature Enacts $1.8 Billion Bond Bill to Strengthen the Commonwealth’s Information Technology & Physical Infrastructure

(BOSTON –  08/18/2020 ) House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo and Senate President Karen E. Spilka joined their colleagues in House and Senate to pass legislation authorizing up to $1.8 billion in spending for the improvement of information technology equipment and other capital projects in Massachusetts.

The legislation also authorizes funding for food security, law enforcement body cameras, and investments in educational technologies in Massachusetts schools.

“Now, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, more than ever, everyone realizes the importance of our information technology infrastructure,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “These investments will strengthen the resilience of our state and help provide more equitable access to key services for our residents. I thank Governor Baker, Senate President Spilka, and my colleagues in the Legislature for their work on this important bill.”

“As we adjust to a world transformed by a global pandemic we stand committed and ready to supporting existing programs and finding new ways to invest in underserved and underrepresented populations,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland).“I am thrilled to see this bill authorizes additional much-needed supports for childcare providers. I am equally proud to see this borrowing bill directs resources to a program aimed at supporting communities of color. I would like to thank all my colleagues, including House Speaker DeLeo and Senator Michael Rodrigues, for their work priorities.”

“The IT Bond bill contains numerous and necessary upgrades to services that our constituents rely on each and every day,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways & Means. “By enacting this legislation, we are ensuring that the Commonwealth will continue to provide those services in a timely and efficient manner, despite the lasting effects of COVID-19.”

“As we continue to confront challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the enactment of this bond bill to modernize our Commonwealth’s general government infrastructure and to invest in underserved populations is critically needed at this juncture,” stated Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Co-Chair, Joint Committee on Ways and Means. “Whether it’s empowering communities of color disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system or ensuring equitable access to remote learning opportunities for families in need, this bill reflects our commitment to work together during this public health crisis and deliver critical investments in a meaningful and timely way.”

“This bond bill provides over $1.5 billion in critical funding for library construction, public safety initiatives, food security programs, and technology upgrades throughout state and local government,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). “These are important investments that will allow Massachusetts to continue to address its infrastructure needs while also responding to the many challenges presented by the COVID-19 global pandemic.”

“House and Senate members made certain that the components of this legislation would have positive wide-ranging impacts for our residents over many key areas. We modernize the state’s economic, justice and education systems, harden our cybersecurity capabilities and combat food insecurity with farm and fisheries grants to make food supply channels more robust and connect those in need with food resources,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R – Gloucester).

“The funding allocated in this legislation will go a long way in helping our communities continue to grow and develop their information technology infrastructures,” said Senator John Velis (D-Westfield). “This bill represents the legislature’s commitment to investing in the services that our constituents rely on each and every day, and which have become increasingly important during this pandemic.”

The capital plan, which includes $794 million for state and local general technology and physical infrastructure, features the following targeted investments.

  • $110 million in public safety infrastructure and equipment
  • $134 million in statewide economic development grants and reinvestment in disproportionately impacted communities
  • $80 million in educational IT and infrastructure grants, including $50 million to assist public schools in facilitating remote learning environments
  • $10 million to fund technology investments at community health centers
  • $37 million in food security grants
  • $25 million in capital improvements for licensed early education and care providers and after school programs to ensure safe reopening during COVID-19
  • $30 million in public safety accountability technologies including body cameras and a race and ethnicity data sharing system

The legislation has been signed into law by the governor.

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Velis says “much more work to do” as legislative sessions extend – The Westfield News

August 3, 2020 – The Westfield News – Hope E. Tremblay

BOSTON – State Sen. John C. Velis touted the extension of the legislative session this week, saying it allows elected officials to continue working for residents.

Last Thursday, the Massachusetts State Senate and the House of Representatives came to an agreement to continue formal legislative sessions through the end of the year. With the heightened needs brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic, this extension will allow for the legislature to continue working on major legislation to bring relief to the Commonwealth.

“Over these last few months the needs of Massachusetts residents have greatly changed due to COVID-19. It is our duty as elected officials to ensure we are responding to these changes, and I believe it is crucial that we extend the session to continue our work,” said Velis. “During this unprecedented public health crisis, which has impacted every single person in Massachusetts, the typical summer break of the legislature is completely unimportant. We have accomplished a lot this session, but there is more work to do, and I’m glad we will be continuing that work to meet the needs of our constituents.”

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