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Velis Outraged and Shocked to Learn Background Checks of EA Shelters Participants Were Not Happening 

(Westfield-1/10/2025) Following recent reports regarding the limited vetting of individuals staying in the state’s emergency family shelter program, Senator John C. Velis today called for greater scrutiny and more extensive background checks of those entering all state ran shelters.  

Senator Velis shared that he intends to file an amendment to the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s supplemental spending bill to require the results of a clean background check as a condition of eligibility for the state’s emergency shelter program, among other items to promote fiscal responsibility. 

“It is beyond the pale of comprehension that individuals in the family emergency shelters right now, who we cannot forget are living alongside young and vulnerable children, have not undergone serious criminal background checks,” stated Senator John Velis (D – Westfield). “When parents and their children enter our EA Shelter system, whether they be from Massachusetts or beyond, they at the very least should be able to know that they are living in a safe location free of individuals who have engaged or will engage in criminal activity. These reports are deeply disturbing, and we must ensure that there is a standard and comprehensive procedure for vetting all individuals in our shelters.” 

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Weekly Update- January 4th

Happy New Year!

I hope you all are having a great start to 2025!

Before heading into the new year, I was happy to be able to join a few final community gatherings. Last weekend, I was thrilled to present a citation from the Senate to Lincoln VanHeynigen at his Eagle Scout ceremony to celebrate his commitment to our community and all his hard work to achieve this rank. Congratulations Lincoln! On Sunday evening I joined community members here in Westfield to watch our community menorah be lit at the Elm Street Plaza in celebration of the fifth night of Hanukkah.

On Monday legislation I filed last session to establish new protections for animals throughout the Commonwealth was sent to the Governor before the end of the 193rd legislative session. This bill would prevent the early separation of puppies and kittens under 8 weeks, and the unregulated roadside sale of dogs and cats. Both of these practices often lead to serious health or behavioral problems for the animal and no recourse for the new owner. I am glad that this bill is one step closer to becoming law and hope to see is signed soon.

To ring in the new year, my family and I were out at the State House on Wednesday for a special swearing in ceremony to begin my third full term in the Massachusetts State Senate. I could not be more excited to continue to work on behalf of the Hampden and Hampshire District. I am truly so grateful to have the opportunity to serve and represent our communities each day; and I look forward to all that we will accomplish in this new year and throughout the 194th legislative session!

On Thursday I joined the Westfield Fire Department to bid farewell to Deputy Chief Andrew Hart. Over the past 35 years Deputy Chief Hart has advanced from the reserves to Deputy Chief and has even represented our area of Western Massachusetts on the state’s Hazardous Materials Response Team since 1996. To recognize his selfless service to the City of Westfield I was proud to be able to share a citation with Andrew from the Senate. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement my friend!

I am thrilled to be able to resume my weekly office hours now that the holidays have passed. Next week Team Velis and I will be hosting office hours at the Agawam Council on Aging on Monday January 6th from 11:00AM to 12:00PM as well as the West Springfield Council on Aging on Wednesday January 8th from 11:00AM to 12:00PM.  If you can’t make office hours, I can always be reached by email, john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone, (413) 572-3920, and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com. 

Best,

John Velis

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Co-Chair of Antisemitism Commission Weighs in on Disturbing Hate Crimes Report 

(Westfield – 1/2/2025) Senator John C. Velis, co-chair of Massachusetts’ first statutory Commission on Combating Antisemitism, today highlighted the state’s recent Hate Crimes report that found antisemitic hate crimes rose for a third straight year in Massachusetts. The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s annual report found that 119 incidents of anti-Jewish hates crimes were reported in 2023, which is a 70% spike from the previous year and an eight year high for the Commonwealth.  

“It is absolutely disgusting that such vile acts of hate continue to be committed in our Commonwealth and this report underscores how important it is that the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism was organized at this time with such a specific focus and mission,” shared Senator Velis. “For too long I have heard from neighbors and friends in the Jewish community about the disturbing acts of hate that they encounter. Far too many have become fearful altogether of sharing that they are Jewish. Its beyond time that we stand up for our community members and find ways to reverse these alarming trends.” 

Following conversations with constituents who have personally experienced acts of antisemitism, Senator Velis offered an amendment, that was later signed into law, to create the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism. Velis shared that the Special Commission continues will continue to hold hearings throughout the Commonwealth over the next year and plans to specifically consider ways the state can bolster its efforts in addressing and documenting reports of hate crimes. 

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Weekly Update- December 28th

Hello Everyone,

I hope you all had a wonderful week spent with friends and family!

On Monday Governor Healey signed into law major legislation aimed at reducing overdose deaths here in the Commonwealth. The unfortunate truth is that most people in our Commonwealth know someone who is struggling or has struggled with addiction, and it is absolutely heartbreaking how many loved ones we continue to lose to this disease. From the onset of my appointment last year as Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery, I have made it explicitly clear that one of my top priorities was to send comprehensive pieces of legislation to the Governor’s desk that will help keep people alive and make quality recovery resources easily accessible. Not only does this legislation bolster access to life saving overdose reversal tools but it also expands access to recovery coaches, vital providers who truly understand what it is like to navigate recovery because of their lived experiences. It is my sincere hope that this legislation will help Massachusetts continue its recent progress in reducing overdose deaths.

This week Team Velis joined officials in Chicopee to highlight the special gift of an organ donation. One organ donor has the ability to save 8 lives. Transplant patients receive these organs from either people who have left our world, and are making this last act of kindness, or living donors who step up and donate to a patient who is waiting for this life-saving opportunity.  Checking the organ donor box on your driver’s license application could improve the quality of life for a patient. To learn more about organ donation check out: https://neds.org/ .

This week I was able to take some time to spend with my friends and family in celebration of the holidays. This year was truly so special seeing the joy that Christmas morning brought to my son Carson. This week also marked the beginning of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, to all those who celebrate I hope you all have a wonderful holiday!

As a reminder some of my regularly scheduled office hours were moved around this month to accommodate the holidays, as result there will be no office hours this week.  If you are in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me by email, john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone, (413) 572-3920, or you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.

Happy New Year!

John Velis

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Weekly Update- December 21st

Hello,

I hope everyone had a great week and that you have been able to check off some of the final items on your holiday shopping list!

To kick off the week I was out at the State House to join the Senate in biding farewell to three of my colleagues who will soon be moving on to their respective next chapters. In keeping with tradition, the Senate held its annual holiday gift exchange, a fun opportunity to share items from each of our districts with one another in the spirit of the holidays. This year, I was happy to gift my colleagues some delicious cookies from Cerrato’s Pastry Shop in West Springfield. This is a tradition I always look forward to as it is a great way to support over 40 small businesses across our state!

On Wednesday, Senator Oliveria, Senator Gomez, and I sat down with WesternMass ElderCare to discuss funding constraints that they and other organizations who serve our older adults are experiencing. Specifically, as more people are choosing to pursue services that allow them to age in place than in previous years the state’s Home Care Program is anticipated to experience a deficit this fiscal year. As Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs I am particularly concerned about this issue and the impact it may have on older adults across the Commonwealth. Together my colleagues and I discussed ways that we may be able to rectify this issue in the new year to ensure older adults who want to remain at home have the support they need to do so.

I spent much of my day on Thursday in Holyoke, popping into a few stores for some last-minute Christmas items and joining Representative Duffy for a few meetings. In the afternoon we met with the Holyoke Housing Authority to discuss funding that the Representative and I were able to include in the Affordable Homes Act this past summer. The bond authorizations included in this bill would allow the Holyoke Housing Authority to make capital improvements and move forward with the third phase of their South Holyoke Homes Project. Access to affordable housing remains one of the number one issues that plagues our Commonwealth and I remain dedicated in ensuring that as bond funding is release that Western Massachusetts receives it fair share to begin tackling the housing crisis we are experiencing.

 This week Team Velis held office hours in Westfield and Holyoke. As a reminder some of my regularly scheduled office hours were moved around this month to accommodate the holidays, as result there will be no office hours this week.  If you are in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me by email, john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone, (413) 572-3920, and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.

Happy Holidays!

John Velis

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Velis, Conference Committee reach agreement on final Substance Use Disorder Bill

(12/18/2024) Last evening, Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield) and other House and Senate members of the conference committee reached a final agreement on a compromise Substance Use Disorder bill that the Legislature will take up this week. An Act relative to treatments and coverage for substance use disorder and recovery coach licensure aims to reduce overdoses in the Commonwealth and expand access to substance use recovery programs in communities throughout the state.

“From the onset of my appointment as Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery, I made it explicitly clear that one of my top priorities was to send comprehensive pieces of legislation to the Governor that will help keep people alive and make quality recovery resources easily accessible,” shared Senator Velis, who was one of the six legislative negotiators for the final legislation. “The unfortunate truth is that most people in our Commonwealth know someone who is struggling or has struggled with addiction, and it is absolutely heartbreaking how many loved ones we continue to lose to this disease. Not only does this legislation bolster access to life saving overdose reversal tools but it also expands access to recovery coaches, vital providers who truly understand what it is like to navigate recovery because of their lived experiences. I am beyond grateful to all my colleagues who have worked on this legislation and worked through this collaborative process to reach this important compromise.”

The bill includes provisions to expand access to life saving overdose reversal treatments, bolster non opioid pain medications, and strengthen treatment for residents in recovery including the following:

  • Mandates that insurance providers cover opioid reversal drugs. This bill mandates that all health plans cover emergency opioid antagonists (EOAs)—opioid reversal drugs such as naloxone and Narcan—without cost-sharing or prior authorization.
  • Updates insurance requirements for non-opioid pain treatment. The bill updates requirements for insurance providers to ensure adequate coverage and access to pain management services without prior authorization, including non-opioid alternatives to pain treatment.
  • Mandates insurance coverage for recovery coaches. The bill mandates all health plans cover recovery coach services without cost-sharing or prior authorization at no less than MassHealth rates, regardless of the setting in which the services are provided.
  • Establishes recovery coaching licensure. This legislation establishes recovery coach licensing and oversight within DPH and codifies the practice of recovery coaching to ensure qualifications, proper use of titles, and compliance with DPH regulations. It also directs BSAS to study and report on barriers to certification, credentialing, and other employment and practice requirements for recovery coaches, as well as establish a peer support program for recovery coaches and their employers that includes mentorship, technical assistance, and other resources.
  • Reporting on alcohol- and drug-free housing. The legislation directs DPH to study and report findings to the Legislature on alcohol- and drug-free housing, also known as sober homes, including the safety and recovery of sober home residents in the Commonwealth.
  • Expands non-opioid pain treatment training. The legislation expands required prescriber training to include acute and chronic pain treatment, incorporating available and appropriate non-opioid alternatives. It also requires pharmacists dispensing opioids to distribute printed educational materials on non-opioid alternatives to pain treatment as issued by the Department of Public Health (DPH).
  • Boosts anti-discrimination protections for people with substance use disorder. This legislation clarifies DPH authority to enforce anti-discrimination protections for people with SUD who are covered by public health insurance. It prohibits discrimination against those lawfully possessing or taking medication for opioid-related SUD treatment as prescribed. It also directs the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) to examine and then report to the Legislature—including any recommendations or necessary legislative or regulatory changes—on the disparate impacts of SUD, overdoses, overdose deaths, and clinical outcomes for members of historically marginalized communities.
  • Supports Harm Reduction Organizations. This bill ensures that public health and harm reduction organizations are protected from civil or criminal liability and professional disciplinary actions if they are providing drug checking services in good faith, and prohibits medical malpractice insurers from discriminating against health care practitioners who provide harm reduction services.

Both the Senate and House plan to take up the final legislation on Thursday December 19th, and Senator Velis noted that he hopes that Governor Healey will promptly sign the bill into law before the end of the legislation on December 31st .

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Weekly Update- December 14th

Hello!

I hope everyone had a great week!

As 2025 approaches I would like to remind you all that this is the time of year individuals and families can enroll in health insurance plans through the Massachusetts Health Connector for coverage in the new year. The Health Connector is a state-based health insurance marketplace that makes shopping for affordable health and dental coverage easier for individuals, families, and small businesses. Open enrollment through the Health Connector is now through January 23rd, 2025.

Friday marked the 388th birthday of the Massachusetts National Guard. On December 13th, 1636, the Massachusetts Bay General Court directed the colony’s existing militia to be organized into three regiments becoming the first components of the U.S. Armed Forces. Here in Massachusetts the brave men and women of the Guard are not only called upon to serve our nation abroad but also here at home. From driving busses filled with students to school to responding to natural disasters, there truly is nothing the Massachusetts National Guard can not do. I am incredibly proud to have joined the Massachusetts Army National Guard last spring to not only continue to serve our great nation but serve our state in new ways.

To all those making their way over to Agawam’s Veterans Memorial Cemetery today to participate in Wreaths Across America- Thank You! It is truly so special to see the hundreds of community members who participate in this annual event remember the lives of those who selflessly served our nation.

This week Team Velis held office hours in Chicopee, West Springfield, and Southampton. As a reminder some of my regularly scheduled office hours were moved around this month due to the holidays. Next week, Team Velis will be hosting office hours on Monday December 16th at the Westfield Council on Aging from 12:30pm to 1:30pm and on Wednesday December 18th at the Holyoke Council on Aging from 10:00am to 11:00am.

If you are unable to make office hours or if you have any questions about the changes to some community’s regularly scheduled office hours this month, please do not hesitate to contact me by email, john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone, (413) 572-3920, and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.

Happy Holidays!

John Velis

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Weekly Update- December 7th

Hello Everyone,

It is finally starting to look like winter out there! With the temperatures quickly dropping I wanted to remind you all that my office remains available to provide assistance with applications for heating assistance should you or anyone you know need it.

This past weekend I was thrilled to join the Mayor’s Annual Tree Lighting ceremony over at the Elm Street Plaza in Westfield. As always this was a great gathering with community members to kick off the holiday season. Carson was thrilled to be able to get in a good word with Santa and Mrs. Claus about some of the toys he is hoping will be under the tree on Christmas day.

With the next legislative session quickly approaching my office and I have been hard at work meeting with subject knowledge experts and advocates about potential future legislation. Come January the next legislative session will kick into high gear as my colleagues and I work to craft legislation to improve and make Massachusetts a better place to call home ahead of the January 17th bill filing deadline. If you or someone you know are looking to learn more about the legislative process and the different steps that a bill must go through to become a law, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office.

Today marks the 83rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. I am grateful to the incredible Westfield Veteran Services office who puts together a meaningful ceremony each year at the Great River Bridge to remember and honor the lives of more than 2,400 Americans lost in this attack. We will never forget those lives lost, and I am grateful to all those in our communities who take the time to honor the sacrifices and service of our military members.

This week Team Velis held office hours at the Agawam Council on Aging and the Russell Council on Aging. As a reminder some of my regularly scheduled office hours were moved around this month due to the holidays. Next week, Team Velis will be hosting office hours on Tuesday December 10th at the Chicopee COA from 10:00am to 11:00am, on Wednesday December 11th at 11:00am to 12:00pm at the West Springfield Council on Aging, and at the Southampton Council on Aging on Thursday December 12th from 9:30am to 10:30am.

If you are unable to make office hours or if you have any questions about the changes to some community’s regularly scheduled office hours this month, please do not hesitate to contact me by email, john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone, (413) 572-3920, and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.

Happy Holidays!

John Velis

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Weekly Update- November 30th

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with family and friends this week. This year I had a lot to be thankful for including my loving family, hardworking staff, and the opportunity to continue to serve the Hampden and Hampshire district in the MA Senate next session!

Ahead of Thanksgiving I was at the State House to join Governor Healey and Secretary Reidy in honoring Trooper TJ Cusack of Agawam and Trooper Ryan Costello of Holyoke for their bravery at the 41st Annual George L. Hanna Memorial Award Ceremony. The Hanna Awards are the highest and most prestigious awards bestowed upon those in law enforcement, recognizing the bravery of officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty and have put their own lives at risk to protect our communities. I am beyond grateful to Trooper Cusack and Trooper Costello for their acts of heroism. To all those in law enforcement, thank you for all do to keep our communities safe each day!

As many of you might know, today is Small Business Saturday! This is a great opportunity to support the local businesses who are invested in our communities as you are checking off items on your holiday shopping lists. While I always make it a priority to shop from local businesses throughout the year, I know I will absolutely be popping into a few stores owned by our friends and neighbors today.

Speaking of the holiday season, some of my routine office hours have been moved around in the month of December to accommodate all the different holidays that we will be celebrating. Next week, my team is hosting office hours at the Agawam Council on Aging at 11:00AM to 12:00PM on Monday December 2nd and at the Russell Council on Aging on Tuesday December 3rd at 11:30AM to 12:30PM.

If you are unable to make office hours or if you have any questions about the changes to some community’s regularly scheduled office hours this month please do not hesitate to contact me by email , john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone, (413) 572-3920, and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.

Happy Holidays!

John Velis

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Weekly Update- November 23rd

Hello,

I hope everyone had a great week! This week Team Velis and I welcomed multiple new businesses to the district and celebrated the remarkable milestone of our community partner.

On Monday Team Velis joined Mary Dowling at the ribbon cutting celebration of her two new businesses over on Meadow Street in Westfield. From the pre-made candles to the workshops and supplies to make your own candle at home, Moon Jules Scents and Whip City Candle Supply House will likely have just what you need. We were also thrilled to welcome Comfort Bagel to Westfield on Thursday at the celebration of their new location. It is so exciting to hear all about their work to re-open a location in Holyoke as they continue to expand their business across our district. You absolutely must stop in to try one of their many different homemade bagels if you have not already!

The celebrations this week did not stop at these fantastic business ribbon cuttings in Westfield! On Wednesday WesternMass ElderCare celebrated their 50th anniversary with a gathering of staff and local officials over in Chicopee. My office and I truly are so appreciative of WesternMass ElderCare’s partnership on a number of issues. From supporting my office in assisting constituents in need to being on the forefront of advocating for issues and policies that will help improve the lives of older adults, their collaboration with my office is invaluable. Congratulations and here’s to 50 more years!

This week we also had a lot to celebrate out in Boston as the legislature’s Economic Development Bill was signed into law by Governor Healey. The bill makes a number of critical investments to ensure our Commonwealth’s economy is able to continue to grow and remain competitive. I am grateful to both Representative Finn and Pease for their partnership in ensuring that Data Center incentives were included in the final legislation, especially as a data center in Westfield continues to be proposed, bringing with it billions of dollars of investment and hundreds of good paying jobs to our state and region.

This week, I held office hours at the Easthampton and Holyoke COAs. Next week, Team Velis will be hosting office hours on Monday at the Westfield Council on Aging from 12:30PM to 1:30PM, on Tuesday at the Southampton Council on Aging at 9:30AM to 10:30AM and again later that day at the Russell Council on Aging from 11:30AM to 12:30PM.

If you can’t make it in person, feel free to reach out anytime at john.velis@masenate.gov or by phone at (413) 572-3920. You can also stay updated by signing up for my newsletter at senatorjohnvelis.com

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

John Velis

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