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March 18th, 2023 – Weekly Update

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I hope everyone had a lovely holiday yesterday and is enjoying the weekend’s festivities. I know I’m really looking forward to seeing folks at tomorrow’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Holyoke.

It was a pleasure to join in on some other St. Patrick’s Day community events this week including Thursday’s luncheon at the West Springfield Council on Aging and Friday’s breakfast at the Westfield Chamber of Commerce. It’s been such a fun week getting to see so many great friends.

Last Sunday morning I joined first responders from across Western Mass for the Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Massachusetts. I’d like to give a special thanks to the Westfield Fire Department for letting me jump in with them. What a great time!

Speaking of our wonderful first responders, with Tuesday’s storm now behind us I’d like to take a moment to thank all of the first responders and public works employees who helped clear the roads and responded to emergencies this week. Your dedication and care are greatly appreciated by our communities.

On Monday this week, I joined some of my Western Mass colleagues for legislative briefings with Revitalize CDC and American International College. Revitalize CDC works to repair homes of low-income families with children, the elderly, military veterans, and people with special needs in Western Massachusetts.

I also met with Homework House of Holyoke this week to hear their legislative priorities. Homework House provides free academic support for students ages 6-13 to help them become better readers and writers. Last year we were able to secure $50k in state funding for Homework House and I’m looking forward to getting to work with them again this year.

Earlier this week I also stop by Easthampton High to visit with the EHS “We the People” civics team to help them practice for their national competition. I’m so proud of all the hard-working students I met who took home first place at We the People State Finals back in January. The team will be traveling down to Washington D.C. at the end of April to put all their hard work to the test at the national level. Best of luck to all of you!

This week, my team and I hosted office hours at the Holyoke COA on Wednesday. Next week, we’ll be at the Easthampton Council on Tuesday from 10:30am to 11:30am. Please feel free to stop by with any questions, comments, concerns, or just to say hello!

If you are unable to make our office hours or need assistance any sooner, I can always be reached at my email: john.velis@masenate.gov or by phone: (413) 572-3920. You can also find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com where you can also sign up for my newsletter!

Best,

John Velis

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March 11th, 2023 – Weekly Update

Hello Everyone,  

As we celebrate Women’s History Month and March 8th’s International Women’s Day, I want to share my gratitude for the remarkable women in my life and recognize the work that we must continue to pursue to build a better world for women everywhere. I hope you can take a moment this month to recognize and appreciate the outstanding woman in your own life.  

This week I was able to attend two ribbon cuttings for new local businesses. Wednesday morning marked the official ribbon cutting for the West Springfield location of Wood-N-Tap, the first of its Massachusetts locations. On Friday afternoon, woman-owned SHARP Salon opened up its second location in Agawam. It’s always great to see small business growth in the Pioneer Valley and I wish the best of luck to both new locations! 

On Tuesday, my team and I visited the Behavioral Health Network in Westfield. BHN offers support to individuals with life challenges due to mental illness, substance use disorder, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Being the newly appointed Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery, I know that working alongside BHN and other facilities like it are paramount as we take on the Commonwealth’s mental health crisis. 

Friday morning, the Western Massachusetts AFL-CIO, which represents 60+ individual labor unions, hosted their annual Legislative Breakfast in Chicopee. With a warm welcome and a delicious breakfast, union members shared their organized labor legislative priorities for 2023.  

Just after that, I attended the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Economic Outlook Event. Speakers, including Governor Healey, discussed this year’s economic forecast and the Chamber debuted their 2023 legislative agenda.  I’d like to thank the Chamber for putting this on as well as Governor Healey for coming to Springfield to attend. 

This week, my team and I hosted office hours at the Agawam COA on Monday, the Russell COA on Tuesday, and West Springfield COA on Wednesday. Next week, we’ll be at the Chicopee COA on Tuesday and the Holyoke COA on Wednesday, both from 10:00am to 11:00am. Please feel free to stop by with any questions, comments, concerns, or just to say hello!  

If you are unable to make our office hours or need assistance any sooner, I can always be reached at my email: john.velis@masenate.gov or by phone: (413) 572-3920. You can also find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com where you can also sign up for my newsletter! 

Sincerely,  
John Velis 

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Senate Passes Supplemental Budget to fund essential services, extend COVID-era measures, and authorize public works bonding

(BOSTON – 03/09/2023) The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday unanimously passed a $368.7 million supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23). The legislation funds vital services that support vulnerable populations and address food insecurity, housing instability, the state’s long-term COVID-19 response, economic development, essential support services for incoming immigrants and refugees, and more. Notably, the bill extends initiatives first implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as outdoor dining, remote public meeting access, and support for assisted living residences. The bill further authorizes $814.3 in bonding to bolster the Commonwealth’s clean water and other public works projects for cities and towns, as well as to support the Commonwealth’s ability to compete for competitive federal grant funds.

“This supplemental budget ensures that our Commonwealth continues to support the most vulnerable among us while also building on the lessons we learned during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I’m proud to say that this body has proven once again that it has the courage to chart a course that leaves no place or person in the Commonwealth behind. As I have said since the start of the pandemic, we must go ‘back to better,’ not ‘back to normal.’ With today’s supplemental budget, I am pleased to see the Senate take one more step toward this goal.”

“I am proud to have joined my colleagues in voting to pass this supplemental budget, which provides important supports and essential services to vulnerable populations and communities throughout our Commonwealth,” said Senator John Velis (D-Westfield). “These investments are really critical and I am also glad to see that a lot of the COVID-era policies that we know have benefitted municipalities have been extended as well.”

“As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, the Legislature has taken the necessary steps to keep the economy of the Commonwealth on a firm footing. The passage of this supplemental budget today utilizes robust tax revenues to its fullest effect, making substantial investments in economic development, housing, education, and the social service safety net. Those investments, along with a forward-thinking long-term bond authorization, will keep Massachusetts as a leader in the key economic sectors for decades to come,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Thanks to the strong leadership of Senate President Spilka, and the commitment of my colleagues in the Senate, we sent a clear message to the people that we will always look to protect our marginalized communities, support our education and health care workforce, and invest in local infrastructure as the Commonwealth continues to recover from the impact of the pandemic.”

The bill invests $368.7 million to address several time-sensitive needs for an array of programs relied on by some of the most vulnerable residents of the Commonwealth, including $130 million for SNAP food assistance benefits to provide a glide path for families who were receiving enhanced SNAP benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic, $68 million for the Early Education C3 stabilization grant program, $65 million for the continuation of free school meals, $45 million for emergency shelter assistance, and over $40 million to support affordable housing for immigrants and refugees. Other measures funded in the bill include:

  • $8.3 million for judgments, settlements, and legal fees
  • $7 million for coordinated wraparound services for incoming immigrants and refugees
  • $2 million for the reimbursement of SNAP benefits for victims of benefit theft
  • $2 million for the preparation and execution of the 114th National NAACP conference, which is taking place in Massachusetts in 2023, which was adopted via an amendment from Senator Liz Miranda
  • $1 million for a public awareness campaign to educate the public about the misleading tactics of so-called crisis pregnancy centers and their lack of medical services
  • $250,000 for Reproductive Equity Now’s free abortion-related legal hotline

The bill also authorizes $814.3 billion in capital expenditures to support economic development projects. Notably, these include $400 million for the MassWorks Infrastructure Program, which provides grants to cities, towns, and other public entities for infrastructure projects, and $200 million for state matching funds to compete for federal grant opportunities, including those funded through the CHIPS and Science Act, which encourage innovation in Massachusetts. Other bonding items authorized by the bill include:

  • $104 million for the Clean Water Trust Fund
  • $34 million for a program to revitalize underutilized properties
  • $30 million for state matching funds to compete for federal broadband expansion grants and improve state broadband infrastructure
  • $15 million for the Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative, which supports innovation within the state’s manufacturing industry, including by offering technical assistance to manufacturers and attracting talent from outside of the state
  • $14 million for the Massachusetts Manufacturing Accelerate Program
  • $9.3 million for broadband middle mile supports
  • $8 million for the Smart Growth Housing Trust Fund

Recognizing the societal shifts that have taken place during the pandemic, the bill also addresses several pandemic-era related measures, including:

  • Permanently allowing public corporations and nonprofits to hold meetings by means of remote communication
  • Permanently allowing notaries public to conduct remote online notarization using communication technology
  • Extending the ability of graduates and students in their last semester of nursing education programs to practice nursing in accordance with guidance from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
  • Extending the ability of municipalities to allow outdoor dining services
  • Extending the ability of public bodies to allow remote participation by members in public meetings
  • Extending flexibilities given to cities and towns that allow for town meetings to be held in hybrid or fully remote capacities and that ease the threshold for a quorum
  • Extending the ability of nurses employed by assisted living residences to provide skilled nursing care in accordance with valid medical orders, provided the nurse holds a valid license to provide such care

Senator Liz Miranda (D-Boston) and Senator Robyn K. Kennedy (D-Worcester) both gave their inaugural Senate speeches during consideration of the supplemental budget. Senator Miranda spoke on behalf of her amendment for $2 million to support the NAACP’s 114th national conference, which will be taking place in Massachusetts in 2023. The amendment was subsequently unanimously adopted. Senator Kennedy highlighted how the supplemental budget’s $68 million investment in C3 early education grants will provide crucial stability to the early education sector.

As a previous version of this legislation has passed the House of Representatives, the two branches will now reconcile the differences between the bills.

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Senator Velis Visits OnPoint NYC – Harm Reduction and Overdose Prevention Center  

(HARLEM, NY – 3/6/2023) At the end of February, Senator John Velis (D-Westfield) visited the East Harlem location of OnPoint NYC, a harm reduction and overdose prevention center in New York City that houses the first government-sanctioned supervised consumption sites in the country. Senator Velis, who was appointed Senate Chair of the Legislature’s Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery Committee last month, stated the goal of the visit was to get a better understanding of how the center operates.  

“On all issues, no matter where I land, I have an obligation to fully analyze the issues and understand the different sides and viewpoints. That responsibility is heightened now that I have been appointed Chairman,” said Senator Velis. “In 2021 there were more than 100,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States, with a record high 2,290 opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts alone. These numbers, and the increasing prevalence of fentanyl and synthetic opioids, have pushed many people to think outside the box about how to combat this epidemic, including the federal government. This debate is going to continue to come up and, in my mind, it was critical that I see how these programs actually operate as I continue to do my due diligence on this issue.” 

OnPoint NYC operates two harm reduction and overdose prevention sites in East Harlem and Washington Heights. While they have largely been in the media for their supervised consumption sites, the majority of the facilities’ programs focus on harm reduction and social support services.  

“One of the things that really amazed me was the harm reduction and wrap-around services that OnPoint provides to the people who come in. From linking people up with treatment and behavioral healthcare, to providing drug testing and laundry services, it was truly eye-opening to see the ways the facility connects people with resources,” said Senator Velis. 

 “Many of the individuals who work at OnPoint have been personally impacted by the opioid epidemic and substance use in one way or another. They understand those life experiences and really care about these people coming in. They ask them how they are doing and help them with what’s going on in their lives, and it was transformative and incredible to see that type of compassionate and holistic care taking place.” 

Senator Velis visited OnPoint’s Holistic Health Center, Drug User Health HUB Clinic, Drop-In Center, and Overdose Prevention Center during the visit. Services that OnPoint provides include:  

  • Health and wellness services, including medical assessments and linkage to addiction treatment programs and counseling 
  • Harm reduction services including syringe exchange and education counseling 
  • Public outreach and safety services, including syringe litter cleanup 
  • No-barrier walk-in resources, including hot meals, bathrooms, acupuncture and laundry 

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March 4th, 2023 – Weekly Update

Happy March Everyone, 

In Like a Lion and Out like a Lamb, so they say.  This first week of March has really been living up to that expectation with all the snow and freezing rain.  

Here in the State Senate, we’ve been keeping busy now that session is in full swing. Thursday, I and Representative Duffy from Holyoke hosted a briefing with MassHire Holyoke for our colleagues in the State House regarding their Recovery Ready Workforce Initiative.  This program allows employers to receive tools, resources, and coaching assistance to best aide their employees who are in recovery from substance abuse disorder.  Over six businesses and four legislative offices have joined the program with hopefully many more to come.   

With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, there are Irish cultural events abound here in the Pioneer Valley.  Sunday afternoon, I attended the City of Holyoke’s Irish Flag Raising at the John F. Kennedy Memorial. Wednesday was Agawam’s Irish night and the presentation of their Colleen and her Court. Thursday evening, I attended West Springfield’s early St. Patrick’s Day celebration hosted by City Counciler Clune.  Tonight is Westfield’s Irish Night where our city’s Colleen and Court will be recognized. Many more events in the coming weeks as well.  Sláinte! 

This week, Governor Healey released her proposed budget for FY24 and I’m happy to announce that many of my own Tax Relief priorities were included in her proposal. Among these were an increase to the Child & Family Tax Credit, a doubling of the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit for low-income seniors paying property taxes or rent, and an increase to the Estate Tax threshold. I’m very much looking forward to working alongside the Governor, the House, and my colleagues in the Senate as we work on next year’s budget.   

This week the Department of Public Health also held two public hearings on the proposed closures of the Governor’s Center and several other nursing homes in our region. During these hearings I continued to share my concerns on the closures and the impact they would have on our region. It is absolutely paramount that residents continue to get the care they need and will not be moved to a different geographic area that is inaccessible to their families. That is and will continue to be my top priority.   

This week, my team hosted office hours at the Westfield COA on Monday.  Next week, we will be at the Agawam COA on Monday from 11:00am to 12:00pm, the Russell COA on Tuesday from 11:30am to 12:30pm, and the West Springfield COA on Wednesday from 11:00am to 12:00pm.  Please feel free to stop by with any questions, comments, concerns, or just to say hello! 

If you are unbale to make our office hours or need assistance any sooner, I can always be reached at my email: john.velis@masenate.gov or by phone: (413) 572-3920. You can also find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com where you can also sign up for my newsletter! 

 
Best,  

John Velis 

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Senator Velis Glad to See His Tax Relief Priorities in Governor Healey Proposal 

(BOSTON – 2/27/2023) Senator John Velis (D-Westfield) today applauded Governor Healey for including increases to the Child & Family Tax Credit, Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit, and Estate Tax Threshold in her tax relief proposal announced this morning. Senator Velis filed these reforms in his own bill, SD1368 An Act relative to providing tax relief, at the beginning of this legislative session and championed the reforms in the Senate’s Economic Development Bill last session. 

“Since the Senate first took up these tax reforms last session, I have pushed and advocated to get them across the finish-line. That is why I filed legislation in the Senate this session and why I am thrilled to see that Governor Healey’s proposal reflects my priorities as well,” said Senator Velis. “I continue to hear from families and seniors throughout my district who are struggling to make ends meet. These increases to the Dependent Tax Credit, the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit, and the Estate Tax, will provide real relief to so many folks and I look forward to working with the Administration and my colleagues to get these reforms signed into law.”  

Just like Senator Velis’ bill, Governor Healey’s proposal increases the Child & Family Tax Credit for each family dependent, doubles the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit for low-income seniors paying property taxes or rent, and increases the Estate Tax Threshold to ensure that heirs aren’t left paying an unfair “death tax” upon inheriting an estate. 

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February 25th, 2023 – Weekly Update

We’ve had a busy week here in the Hampden and Hampshire Senate District.  I started off my week at the Edwards Public Library in Southampton.  The Library hosts weekly guests to read to the kids and I was honored to be this week’s guest! We had a packed house too with school vacation week.  A big thank you to the Edwards Library Staff for hosting and to the families of Southampton for coming.   

Yesterday morning marked the ribbon cutting of the new Westfield facility for Brain Injury Community Care of Western Massachusetts.  After using temporary space for the last two years, this organization has finally found a permanent home on Franklin Street.  This center, the only of its kind here in Western Massachusetts, provides a broad range of services to those with developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and autism throughout the area.  BICC is an asset to our community and I’m looking forward to the work that they will accomplish with their new facility.   

Just around the corner from BICC on Friday afternoon, I was also able to call the weekly bingo game down at the Westfield Council on Aging. This is certainly one my favorite activities to preside over as state senator and its always great to get down to the COA and see our local seniors.  

Friday evening, I attended the West Springfield Mayoral Ball, which also doubled as a fundraiser for the West Side 250th Anniversary Committee.   I am so proud to represent West Springfield, and it’s so great to see residents coming together to celebrate their community.  I can’t wait for next year when the anniversary events are officially underway.   

Tonight is Chicopee’s Colleen contest. I wish best of luck to all the contestants tonight and look forward to seeing the winners and their courts at the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Hard to believe March is that close!   

This week, my team hosted office hours at the Easthampton COA on Tuesday and the Southampton COA on Wednesday. Next week, we will be at the Westfield COA on Monday from 12:30pm to 1:30pm and at the Russell COA from 11:30am to 12:30pm.  Please feel free to stop by with any questions, comments, concerns, or just to say hello! 

If you are unbale to make our office hours or need assistance any sooner, I can always be reached at my email: john.velis@masenate.gov or by phone: (413) 572-3920. You can also find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com where you can also sign up for my newsletter! 

 
Best,  

John Velis 

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February 18th, 2023 – Weekly Update

I hope you have all been able to enjoy the warmth and sunshine this week. I’d like to start off by wishing happy 100th birthday to Western Mass.’s very own World War II veteran Carl Mattson. I was happy to present him with a special citation alongside Rep. Pease of Westfield and the Westover Young Marines at Indian Motorcycles in Springfield. Thank you for your service, Carl!

Recently, the commonwealth welcomed not only a new governor but also began the new legislative session, the 193rd one, to be exact. The beginning of session is almost like a clean slate, legislatively speaking. Now legislators file new legislation and legislative committees are restructured. Among my many committee assignments, I’m proud to announce my new committee leaderships roles. I was chosen by the Senate president to serve as the chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Recovery. And I’m especially proud to say that I will retain my chairmanship of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, a position that as a veteran myself I’m honored to have been reappointed to. I’m already very much looking forwards to all the work we’ll accomplish in this new session.

Tuesday morning, I held a special coffee hour with the residents of Hampden Village retirement community in Westfield. We discussed topics from across the board, including current legislation, committee assignments, of course my one-year-old son, Carson, of whom they could not get enough pictures. Thank you to the Hampden Village for inviting me to come speak.

Thursday, I was fortunate enough to tour the West Side Boys & Girls Club. Having been a member of the Boys & Girls Club when I was younger and a volunteer to this day, I can say with certainty that this is one of my favorite organizations, as well one that can have some of the deepest impacts on our community. It was great to tour, and I can’t wait to see it again after the completion of their renovations.

Tonight is both Agawam’s and Holyoke’s colleen contests. For those unfamiliar, these contests are a way for the young women of Irish descent to showcase and develop their heritage. I wish best of luck to all the contestants tonight and look forward to seeing the winners and their courts at the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

This week, my team hosted office hours in Chicopee on Tuesday and again in Holyoke on Wednesday. Next week, we will be at the Southampton COA on Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Please feel free to stop by with any questions, comments, concerns, or just to say hello!

If you are unable to make our office hours or need assistance any sooner, I can always be reached at my email, john.velis@masenate.gov, or by phone, 413-572-3920. You can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com, where you can also sign up for my newsletter.

Sincerely,
John Velis

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Senator Velis Appointed Chair of Mental Health, Substance Use, & Recovery Committee, Veterans & Federal Affairs Committee

(BOSTON – 2/15/2023) Today Senate President Spilka announced new committee assignments for the 2023-2024 legislative session. Senator John Velis (D-Westfield) was named the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, & Recovery. Senator Velis was also named to continue serving as Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans & Federal Affairs.  

“I am honored to be appointed to serve as Chairman of the Mental Health, Substance Use, & Recovery committee and am excited to build upon the work we achieved last session with the passage of the Mental Health ABC Act 2.0,” said Senator Velis. “In my mind, mental health and substance use are the biggest problems in the Commonwealth that not enough people are talking about. And as someone who has had their own struggles in recovery, I know firsthand how these two issues can so often be cooccurring for people. We know that we must do more to help those struggling, and I look forward to working with members of the committee to accomplish just that.” 

Senator Velis served as the Vice-Chair of the Mental Health, Substance Use, & Recovery Committee in the 2021-2022 legislative session and helped usher the Mental Health ABC Act 2.0 in law. Senator Velis was also recently appointed to a National Mental Health Task Force convened by the Council of State Governments (CSG) and the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). 

With his reappointment as Chair of the Veterans & Federal Affairs Committee, Senator Velis will continue to lead the Legislature’s efforts to support veterans, active-duty service members, and military families.  

“From securing funding to rebuild the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, to reforming the governance structure of both our Soldiers’ Homes, to passing the SPEED Act to support service members and military families, we are coming off of an incredible productive session in terms of veterans’ affairs,” said Senator Velis, who is a Major in the US Army Reserve himself. “I want to build off that momentum this session and focus on expanding outreach to women veterans, ensuring that the new cabinet-level Veteran’s Secretariat has the support they need, and increasing benefits for veterans throughout our communities. This is an area that I will always be passionate about and I am thrilled to continue this work to ensure that Massachusetts remains the best place for service members and military families to call home.” 

In addition to his two chairmanships, Senator Velis was also named Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs. Senator Velis will also serve on four other joint committees in the 2023-2024 legislative session: the Joint Committee on Housing, the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, the Joint Committee on Public Safety & Homeland Security, and the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.  

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Senator Velis Appointed Chair of Mental Health, Substance Use, & Recovery Committee, Veterans & Federal Affairs Committee for 2023-2024 Legislative Session 

(BOSTON – 2/15/2023) Today Senate President Spilka announced new committee assignments for the 2023-2024 legislative session. Senator John Velis (D-Westfield) was named the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, & Recovery. Senator Velis was also named to continue serving as Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans & Federal Affairs.  

“I am honored to be appointed to serve as Chairman of the Mental Health, Substance Use, & Recovery committee and am excited to build upon the work we achieved last session with the passage of the Mental Health ABC Act 2.0,” said Senator Velis. “In my mind, mental health and substance use are the biggest problems in the Commonwealth that not enough people are talking about. And as someone who has had their own struggles in recovery, I know firsthand how these two issues can so often be cooccurring for people. We know that we must do more to help those struggling, and I look forward to working with members of the committee to accomplish just that.” 

Senator Velis served as the Vice-Chair of the Mental Health, Substance Use, & Recovery Committee in the 2021-2022 legislative session and helped usher the Mental Health ABC Act 2.0 in law. Senator Velis was also recently appointed to a National Mental Health Task Force convened by the Council of State Governments (CSG) and the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). 

With his reappointment as Chair of the Veterans & Federal Affairs Committee, Senator Velis will continue to lead the Legislature’s efforts to support veterans, active-duty service members, and military families.  

“From securing funding to rebuild the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, to reforming the governance structure of both our Soldiers’ Homes, to passing the SPEED Act to support service members and military families, we are coming off of an incredible productive session in terms of veterans’ affairs,” said Senator Velis, who is a Major in the US Army Reserve himself. “I want to build off that momentum this session and focus on expanding outreach to women veterans, ensuring that the new cabinet-level Veteran’s Secretariat has the support they need, and increasing benefits for veterans throughout our communities. This is an area that I will always be passionate about and I am thrilled to continue this work to ensure that Massachusetts remains the best place for service members and military families to call home.” 

In addition to his two chairmanships, Senator Velis was also named Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs. Senator Velis will also serve on four other joint committees in the 2023-2024 legislative session: the Joint Committee on Housing, the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, the Joint Committee on Public Safety & Homeland Security, and the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.  

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