Category: Uncategorized

Happy September Everyone, 

Fall is definitely in the air.  Some of the tops of the trees have just started to turn yellow too.  I hope those who have returned to school already had good first weeks back.  Getting back into the swing of things is always good.  

On Monday, I was proud to present the Southampton Council on Aging with a check for $50,000 in funding that I was able to secure in the State’s ARPA legislation this past year. The COA and Director Joan Linnehan are a critical resource for Southampton’s seniors and I know that this money will go to good use as they expand their services and program.  

International Overdose Awareness Day was this week.  Communities throughout our district, including Easthampton, Westfield, Holyoke, and Chicopee, all held events to commemorate this solemn occasion.  The opioid crisis continues to ravage our communities and at these vigils we remember all those that we’ve lost.  As the Vice-Chair of the joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery, I am committed to doing everything in my power to help those with addiction and support the many families impacted.   

Yesterday, the North Elm Butcher Block in Westfield celebrated their 75^th year of business.  I congratulated them by presenting them with a citation at their ceremony.  This butcher shop is an institution in the city of Westfield and one of my personal favorites. I wish them another prosperous 75 years.  

Wednesday, I attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Naples Removal Group’s newest location in West Springfield.  It’s always great to see our small and local businesses expanding.  I wish you all the best of luck.   

Tonight, I will be attending a procession to honor two of Western Mass’s bravest, Officer Jose Torres of Westfield and Officer Kevin Ambrose of Springfield, who both died in the line of duty ten years ago.  We must never forget these officers and all that they did on behalf of our communities.  Thank you to the West Springfield Irish Cultural Council for organizing this.   

This week my team held office hours in Southwick on Friday.  Next week, we will be at the Russell COA on Friday from 11:30am – 12:30am.  Please feel free to stop by with any questions or concerns. We are always happy to help! 

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 where you can also sign up for my newsletter! 
 
Sincerely,  

John Velis 

Hello Everyone, 

This is the last full week of August, and while I can’t speak for everyone, this summer felt like it absolutely flew by.  School starts for most of the districts this week and I hope that both students and teachers alike have a great start to the school year! 

Monday afternoon, I was lucky enough to be invited to have lunch at the West Springfield Council on Aging.  I spoke on a range of topics with the other attendees, including housing and veterans’ affairs.  A big thank you to the COA for putting this on.   

That afternoon, I held a talk at the West Springfield Public Library to speak about my deployment in Afghanistan as we near the first anniversary of the United States’ withdrawal from the nation after almost two decades of conflict.  The reverberations of our withdrawal is still being felt throughout Central and Western Asia and probably will be for decades to come.  Thank you to the Library for hosting and to everyone who attended these two events in West Springfield.  

On Thursday, I attended the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce’s annual legislative luncheon.  Our local businesses form the cornerstone of Western Massachusetts’ economy and I am always happy to meet with them and find out what issues are affecting our district.  I spoke extensively on the recent passage of the Mental Health ABC Act and my own bill, the SPEED Act, which eases the transition of frequently moving military families.  Thank you to all the local business who attended and to the Chamber for putting this on.   

Tuesday night, I had what was one of the most fun meetings with constituents I’ve ever had: playing with the Agawam Youth Football Association!  It was great to get to know the coaches, players, and families.  Local sport leagues of any age bracket are one of the best ways to bring our communities together.  I’m looking forward to the next kickoff already.   

This week I joined twelve other bipartisan legislators in a letter urging Senate President Spilka to call a special legislative session to take up the Economic Development bill.  I continue to hear from folks throughout our communities about the  high costs they’re facing at the store, the gas pump, and beyond.  The Economic Development bill contains important tax relief measures that will make a real difference and I remain committed to getting it across the finish line.   

This week my team held office hours in Westfield on Monday.  Next week, we will be at the Southwick COA on Friday from 10:00am – 11:00am.  Please feel free to stop by with any questions or concerns. We are always happy to help! 

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 where you can also sign up for my newsletter! 
 
Sincerely,  

John Velis 

Hello Everyone, 

 I’m glad the temperatures have dropped! I almost felt a hint of Autumn in the air this week and I’m not sure that I’m ready it.  Although, I’m sure that kids are ready to get back to school! 

This Wednesday, was my team’s “District Day.” My entire staff from both Boston and Western Mass went on a tour of the district.  Luckily, we had great weather.  It’s always good getting my state house staff to come see the beautiful Second Hampden and Hampshire State Senate District of Massachusetts that they work so tirelessly for.  I’d like to extend a big thank you to all the businesses and organizations that allowed us to visit!   And looking forward to stopping by some more on our next District Day! 

This week was also the last for my summer interns: Grace, Logan, and Camryn.  All of them will be returning to undergraduate school this fall.  Thank you so much for the work you did this summer!  I cannot wait to see what is in store for you all and please know that my door will always be open! 

On Tuesday evening, I attended the Southampton Selectboard Meeting.  I love getting out in my communities and getting to know what the real issues are. I also gave my legislative update to the selectboard and discussed current and future legislative priorities.  Thank you to the town for inviting me as well as hosting the event!  

After almost three years of pandemic protocols, the Hampton Inn in Westfield was finally able to have its formal ribbon cutting considering they opened at the tail end of 2019.  Tuesday night marked the event, and I was lucky enough to have been invited.  I’d like to congratulate the owners for persevering through such difficult times and providing a much-needed service for our community.   

This week my team also held office hours in Holyoke on Monday.  Next week we will be at the Westfield COA on Monday from 12:30am – 1:30pm.  Please feel free to stop by with any questions or concerns. We are always happy to help! 

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 where you can also sign up for my newsletter! 
 
Sincerely,  

John Velis 

Hello Everyone! 

It’s been nice weather this last week now that heatwave finally broke. Every year I can’t wait for Summer and then the Dog Days come along and now I can’t wait for Fall.  

Even though session is formally out, we’ve still had a packed week in the legislature.  On Thursday, I had the honor of attending the Barnes National Air Guard raising of the Ground Zero flag to commemorate those we lost in the attacks on September 11^th.  As a Veteran who has been deployed, this day is always especially somber as I remember all those who have been lost in the name of American freedom.  Thank you to Barnes for hosting this event.   

On Friday, the Massachusetts Association of Dairy Farmers hosted their annual summer picnic in Agawam.  I was lucky enough to join in on the event with this hardworking cornerstone of Western Mass’s agricultural community.  The dairy industry represents a significant portion of our local economy along with all of our other dedicated local farmers out there.   

On Thursday, Representative Pease of Westfield and I were able to pass a home rule petition in the Senate and House that allocates a half-acre of land from the Division of Capital Asset Management to the Westfield School District.  This half-acre to go to the Franklin Avenue Elementary School so they can continue with their new construction.    

Thursday evening also marked the graduation of the Agawam Adult Education evening program.  These students represent the very best of us, giving up their evening to get their educations and improve their lives.  Congratulations to this class of graduates!  I can’t wait to see what you’ll do next.   

A big congratulation to another hallmark of Agawam: Scoops Ice-Cream in Feeding Hills, who had their grand opening this week just in time to catch the last couple heat waves of Summer.  I was there on Monday morning to cut the ribbon and formally open them.  If there’s one thing Western Mass could never have enough of; it’s ice cream shops.  Congratulations again.   

On Friday evening, the Bilingual Veterans Outreach Centers held their annual banquet to honor Veteran families at the Log Cabin in Holyoke.  This is such an excellent organization that connects so many veterans of so many different backgrounds, and I always enjoy getting to know fellow veterans in the Valley.   

This week my team also held office hours in Russell on Friday.  Next week we will be at the Holyoke COA on Monday from 10:00am – 11:00am.  Please feel free to stop by with any questions or concerns–we are always happy to help! 

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 where you can also sign up for my newsletter!  

Sincerely,  

John Velis 

(BOSTON–07/28/2022) The Massachusetts Legislature today passed An Act relative to the governance, structure and care of veterans at the Commonwealth’s veterans’ homes which makes key reforms to the governance structure of the state’s veterans’ homes, ensures that both homes are federally licensed as health care facilities, mandates increased state management, and provides independent oversight and accountability of veterans’ homes management. Following the tragedy at the Holyoke Veterans’ Home in 2020, which resulted in the COVID-19 related deaths of 78 veterans, the Legislature established the Special Joint Oversight Committee on the veterans’ Home in Holyoke COVID-19 Outbreak to investigate and make recommendations which resulted in this legislation.   

“By taking significant steps to change how our veterans’ homes are governed and managed, and by establishing protocols that are designed to identify and correct any examples of mismanagement or inadequate care as quickly as possible, this legislation will help to ensure that a tragedy similar to what occurred at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home will never happen again in Massachusetts,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Leader Wagner, Chairman McMurtry and members of the conference committee, my colleagues in the House, as well as Senate President Spilka and our partners in the Senate for their hard work, and for prioritizing the health and well-being of the Commonwealth’s veterans. They deserve nothing less.”  

“As the daughter of a veteran, I continue to be heartbroken for the families of those who lost their lives to COVID-19 at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I would like to thank Senators Rush, Velis and Tarr for their work on this conference committee, as well as Speaker Mariano and all of the House conferees for their partnership in service of our veterans. This important reform to the governance of veterans’ homes in Massachusetts is a major step toward rethinking how we deliver care to veterans of every generation across Massachusetts and ensure that our veterans are connected to their communities.” 

“From streamlining the chain of command and clarifying the responsibilities of the superintendent, to elevating the veterans Secretary to cabinet level and expanding the Department of Public Health’s role, this legislation contains important improvements for our Commonwealth’s veterans’ homes,” said Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. “I want to thank my fellow conferees for their work throughout this process and for their commitment to getting a piece of legislation to the Governor’s desk this session. At the same time, we know that this work must continue. That is why I am so grateful to Senate President Spilka for appointing me to lead the Senate working group that will oversee implementation of this legislation, identify what we need to improve on further, and continue to work to ensure that the tragedy that took place at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home never happens again.”  

The legislation creates a direct line of authority by creating a Secretary of Veterans’ Services position, with a corresponding executive office in the Commonwealth, as the ultimate appointing authority of the superintendents of the two state-operated homes. It also creates a newly constituted 19-member Veterans’ Homes Council to advise the Secretary to ensure the health and well-being of veteran residents. The council is tasked with reviewing and approving the local Board of Trustees’ nomination for superintendent of their respective home before submitting the final candidate to the Secretary for consideration of appointment.  

The legislation also makes the superintendent the administrative head of a state-operated veterans’ home, prescribing them with concrete responsibilities. It includes critical qualifications for the role, requiring that the individual selected be a licensed nursing home administrator, and be a veteran or have experience in the management of veterans in a long-term care or nursing home facility. The medical director of each state-operated veterans’ home will recommend to the superintendent all medical staff, physicians, and nurses at the respective home for their review for hiring.  

To further protect the health and safety of residents and staff, the report requires all state-operated veterans’ homes be licensed as nursing homes by the Department of Public Health (DPH), a provision that was not previously enforced in state law. It also directs the department to conduct inspections of the homes biannually—and monthly during a declared state of emergency—with a timeframe for when violations must be resolved. Each state-operated veterans’ home must apply and maintain certification from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in such programs on behalf of their residents, as well as adhere to federal guidelines for trauma-informed care. 

The comprehensive bill also reaffirms the role of the Executive Director of Veterans’ Homes and Housing, who will now oversee the Veterans’ Home Council as chair, in addition to their other responsibilities. The report goes further in enhancing the care of all veterans in the Commonwealth by creating an Office of the Veteran Advocate, appointed by the Governor, Attorney General and State Auditor, independent of any supervision control by an executive agency, to guarantee veterans residing in the state are always receiving services in a humane and dignified manner. The legislation also establishes the position of ombudsperson for each veterans’ home to advocate on behalf of the residents and staff at the home. 

In May 2021, the Legislature approved a $600 million bond authorization—with $400 million for the construction of an updated Holyoke Veterans’ Home facility and $200 million to increase geographic equity and accessibility for veterans not primarily served by the veterans’ homes in Chelsea or Holyoke. 

Having been passed by the House and Senate, An Act relative to the governance, structure and care of veterans at the Commonwealth’s veterans’ homes now goes to Governor Baker for his signature.  

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BOSTON – Monday, August 1, 2022 – The Massachusetts Legislature today passed An Act regulating sports wagering authorizing and regulating sports betting in the Commonwealth. The legislation authorizes the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to grant in-person licenses at gaming establishments, including casinos, racetracks and simulcast facilities, as well as mobile licenses through mobile applications or digital platforms. This legislation will generate an estimated $60 million in annual tax revenue for Massachusetts, in addition to collecting up to $70 to $80 million in initial licensing fees, which must be renewed every five years. The revenue collected will be distributed to municipalities, and for economic, workforce, education, and public health priorities.  

“I’m incredibly proud that today, and after years of House-led efforts to authorize legal sports wagering in Massachusetts, the Legislature has acted to bring the immense economic benefits of a legal sports betting industry to the Commonwealth,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “Legalizing wagers on both professional and collegiate sports will create jobs and bring tens of millions of dollars in annual tax revenue to Massachusetts..”   

“I’d like to thank the many Senators who have worked so hard on behalf of the Senate on the issue of sports betting legalization to bring this new industry to Massachusetts,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland).

“Legalizing sports wagering in Massachusetts will allow us to finally compete with neighboring states and will bring in new revenue and immense economic benefits. I am grateful that the conference committee was able to come to a compromise and thrilled that we were able get a Sports Betting bill to Governor Baker’s desk before the end of session,” said Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield).

“An Act regulating sports wagering” includes a 15 percent tax on in-person wagering and a 20 percent tax on mobile wagering. The legislation creates the Workforce Investment Trust Fund & the Youth Development and Achievement Fund which will receive 17.5 percent and 1 percent, respectively, of the revenue generated by the taxes and licensing fees. The rest of the funds will go to the existing Gaming Local Aid Fund (27.5 percent), the Public Health Trust Fund (9 percent) and the General Fund (45 percent.) 

• The funds in the Workforce Investment Trust Fund will be used to develop and strengthen workforce opportunities for low-income communities and vulnerable youth and young adults, including to promote stable employment and wage growth.  

• The funds in the Youth Development and Achievement Fund will provide financial assistance to students enrolled in and pursuing a program of higher education, and for after school and out of school activities. 

Having been passed by the House and Senate, An Act regulating sports wagering now goes to Governor Baker for his signature.  

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(BOSTON–07/29/2022) The Massachusetts Legislature today passed comprehensive legislation, An Act relative to military spouse-licensure portability, education and enrollment of dependents, addressing the Commonwealth’s most immediate needs in the veteran community and making necessary updates to service member quality-of-life issues and acknowledgements of our military branches and individual service, including supporting military families who relocate to the Commonwealth with expedited licensure and school enrollment, creating education awareness programs, and establishing the Massachusetts Medal of Fidelity. 

“This is a historic bill. This is most likely the most encompassing military and veterans bill passed in the Commonwealth in the last century,” said Major General Gary W. Keefe, Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard. “This bill recognizes both the sacrifice of our military service members, as well as veterans and their families, and it establishes programs that will recruit and retain service members, attract future military missions, and continue to provide for our growing veteran population. Our thanks to all the Massachusetts legislators in the House and the Senate, as well as the tenacity and leadership of the Joint Committee on Military and Veterans’ Affairs who worked tirelessly to get this bill over the goal line. This bill will make it clear to every state in the republic that Massachusetts is unmatched in its care and support of its military members, veterans, and their families.” 

“The SPEED Act is a momentous piece of legislation that that will improve the lives of every single service-member, veteran, and military family member who resides in our state, now and in the future,” said Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield), the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. “The legislation supports our military families in their transition to Massachusetts, introduces new benefits and services for veterans and National Guard members, and expands the ways our Commonwealth recognizes the sacrifices of those who have served. This is an omnibus bill that is truly built off of the work of so many members of the Legislature. I am grateful to Senate President Spilka for her leadership and to all my colleagues for their commitment to getting this bill to the Governor’s desk.” 

“Our veterans are the best and bravest among us, and while we can never truly repay them for their service to this country, veterans are more than deserving of continued support from those in public office,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I’m proud that today, with the best interest of our veterans in mind, the Legislature passed legislation that responds to immediate needs in the veteran community such as access to school enrollment for military families that have recently relocated to Massachusetts, and that establishes health education awareness programs and additional acknowledgements of military service, among other provisions. I want to thank Chair McMurtry and each member of the conference committee, my colleagues in the House, as well as Senate President Spilka and our partners in the Senate for prioritizing the well-being of our veterans, and for the hard work required to get this done.” 

“Supporting our brave service members who call Massachusetts home means lifting up the families who stand behind them,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This bill eliminates barriers which make it difficult for military spouses to gain employment despite holding a valid license or certificate, strengthens educational supports for the children of service members who relocate to the Commonwealth, provides greater protections for those who may have been exposed to burn pits, and creates the National Guard Family Education Program as well as a valuable mentoring program for veterans in higher education. I want to thank Senator Velis and his fellow conferees Senators Cronin and Fattman for their hard work on this bill, my colleagues in the Senate, Speaker Mariano and our partners in the House, and military families across Massachusetts for their contributions to our Commonwealth and sacrifices for our country.”

Highlights of the legislation include: 

Military spouse licensure portability: requires the Division of Occupational Licensure, the Department of Public Health, and Massachusetts Boards of Registration to accept a military spouse’s application for licensure or notify them of what criteria they were not able to meet within 30 days of the application. 

Expedited military spouse teacher licenses: establishes a military spouse certificate to be issued by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner to military spouse teachers that meet certain requirements. 

School enrollment for military children: allows military families to register and enroll in a school district when a service member first receives their relocation order, waiving the proof of residency requirement at the time of registration. This provision also allows military children who are transferring mid-semester to enroll in and attend one of the Commonwealth’s virtual schools. 

Purple Star campus designation: establishes the Purple Star Campus Program, to be administered by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, to designate schools that demonstrate a commitment to students and families of service members. 

In-state tuition continuity for military-connected college students: ensures that a member of the military stationed in the Commonwealth, their spouse, or their children are deemed an in-state resident after their acceptance at one of the state’s higher education institutions. 

Civilian licensure and certification information: directs the Commissioner of Veterans’ Services to make information on civilian licensure and certification opportunities available to service members and veterans and provide information on military education and skills to relevant agencies.  

Open Burn Pit Registry: 

• Directs the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health (DPH), in consultation with the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans’ Services and the Adjutant General of the National Guard, to develop educational materials and an informational pamphlet on the health impacts of open burn pits and other airborne hazards during overseas deployment and information on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry to be distributed to health care providers, veterans’ service offices and organizations, and service members and veterans. 

• Directs the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans’ Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of DPH and the Adjutant General, to contact all members of the Armed Forces, National Guard and veterans to register for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry. 

• Requires the Adjutant General to request that the periodic health assessment for National Guard members determine whether the member is eligible to participate in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry and if eligible, the member register for the Registry. 

Massachusetts National Guard family education program: establishes a Massachusetts National Guard Family Education Program to allow National Guard members to transfer their unused education benefits under the National Guard Education Assistance Program to their dependents. 

Slot machines at veterans’ organizations commission: establishes a commission to study and report on limited slot machine licenses for veteran organizations. 

Veteran Mentor Program: enables the UMass system, including UMass Amherst and UMass Lowell, Bridgewater State University, and Salem State University to establish veteran mentoring pilot programs to assist veterans attending their institutions adjust to civilian life. 

Property tax exemption clarification: prohibits a city or town from requesting further evidence from a disabled veteran in subsequent tax years after the veteran has been granted a property tax exemption by the assessor of that town, unless the veteran’s disability rating determined by the VA is reduced. 

Founding anniversaries of U.S. Armed Forces: requires the Governor to set aside the founding date anniversaries of the U.S. Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Massachusetts National Guard. 

Medal of Fidelity: establishes the Massachusetts Medal of Fidelity to be presented to the next of kin of a service member or veteran who died as a result of service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder service-connected condition resulting from a traumatic brain injury, or a service-connected disease, condition or injury related to exposure to harmful toxin, herbicides, agents, or materials. 

Deborah Sampson Memorial Commission: establishes a commission to determine a location and create a memorial for Deborah Sampson, a Massachusetts resident who disguised herself as a man in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. 

Funeral and burial benefits:  requires funeral directors and their staffs to provide information on burial and funeral benefits for veterans. 

Tax credit for employment of National Guard members: establishes a tax credit for businesses that employ members of the National Guard. 

This bill builds on multiple actions by the Legislature this session to support our Commonwealth’s veterans. Yesterday, the Massachusetts Legislature passed An Act relative to the governance, structure and care of veterans at the Commonwealth’s veterans’ homes, making key reforms to the governance structure of the state’s veterans’ homes, ensuring that both homes are federally licensed as health care facilities, mandating increased state management, and providing independent oversight and accountability of veterans’ homes management. In May 2021, the Legislature approved a $600 million bond authorization — with $400 million for the construction of an updated Holyoke Veterans’ Home facility and $200 million to increase geographic equity and accessibility for veterans not primarily served by the veterans’ Homes in Chelsea or Holyoke. 

Having been passed by the House and Senate, An Act relative to military spouse-licensure portability, education and enrollment of dependents, now goes to Governor Baker for his signature. 

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(Boston 8/2/2022) With the news that the federal Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act will come before the United States Senate tonight, more than 50 state legislators from across Massachusetts are signing onto a letter from Senator Velis today that urges the Senate to pass the bill.  

“It is beyond time that we acknowledge the health impact that burn pits, air borne hazards, and other toxic exposures have on our service-members, and we urge you to continue doing everything in your power to get this important legislation to President Biden…. It is our government that sends these men and women off to war. And it is our government that must take care of them when they come home,” reads the letter authored by Senator Velis. 

Otherwise known as the PACT Act, the bill would allow Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins during deployments to finally get the disability benefits and medical care from the VA that they need.  

This past weekend, the Massachusetts legislature enacted their own bill for service-members who have been exposed to burn pits and other toxins, the SPEED Act. Filed by Senator Velis, the legislation directs state agencies to reach out to every service-member in Massachusetts with information about the health impact of these toxins, as well as information on the Federal Airborne Hazards and Burn Pit Registry, which is used by the VA to track Veterans who have been exposed. The letter notes that while legislators will continue to work with Governor Baker to get this legislation signed into law for Massachusetts service-members, they want to also pledge their support for the PACT Act.  

“The Department of Defense has said that nearly 3.5 million service-members have suffered enough exposure to cause health problems, and yet 80% of exposure claims to the VA have been denied,” said Senator Velis. “It’s time that we put partisan politics aside and get this bill done, so that Veterans across our nation no longer have to face these massive financial obstacles to get the care they so desperately need.” 

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Happy August Everyone,  

It is officially the last month of summer.  I hope everyone is staying cool with the hot and humid temperatures that have come our way!  

This past Sunday was the final day of formal session and some very important bills were passed by the legislature and sent to the Governor’s desk before we adjourned. The all-night session went for a total of 23 hours and ended at 11am Monday Morning.  

Some of the bills that are now awaiting Governor Baker’s final approval include the Sports Betting Bill, our Mental Health omnibus bill and the SPEED Act, a bill I filed that will increase supports and resources for service members and their families across the Commonwealth.  I am thrilled that these pieces of legislation will be moving forward, and I know that they will have a positive impact on the Commonwealth and in our community.  

I also am excited to announce the recent passing of the PACT Act by the U.S. Senate.  Earlier in the week, I urged my federal colleagues to vote in support of the act and to get the bill to the President’s desk.  Now, the act that would finally provide health care and disability compensation to millions of  service members exposed to burn pits and other toxins will be signed into law in the coming days.  The PACT Act is a huge victory for Veterans across our nation and perfectly complements the SPEED Act for Massachusetts service members that now sits on the Governor’s desk.  I will continue to advocate for laws that provide Veterans with the care and benefits that they have earned and deserved.  

In the district this week, the grand opening and ribbon cutting for Camelot Jewelers took place in Westfield.  The daylong celebration included food trucks, giveaways, and games for the public.  Camelot Jewlers is open Tuesday-Saturday, so make sure to check them out! Congratulations to owners Matt Harris and Matt Turgeon!  

I would like to also celebrate Colonel Tom “Sling” Bladen’s Retirment from the USAF 104th Fighter Wing.  This past Thursday, we celebrated Colonel Bladen with his F15 Fini Flight.  Your demonstration of leadership, integrity, and contribution to your community is one that will be remembered Colonel.  Congratulations on your retirement and wonderful career!  

This week my team held office hours in Agawam on Monday and in Southwick on Friday.  Next week we will be at the Chicopee COA on Monday from 10:00am – 11:00am and at the Russell COA Friday 11:30am-12:30pm.  Please feel free to stop by with any questions or concerns–we are always happy to help! 

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 where you can also sign up for my newsletter!  

Sincerely,  

John Velis 

Happy End of July Everyone, 

This summer is flying by.  I cannot believe that I’m already hearing back-to-school ads on the radio.  I hope everyone gets out to enjoy the summer while it lasts.  It might be hot this week, but the leaves will be turning soon enough.   

Despite being mid-summer too, the legislature has been jam-packed.  Session is formally coming to a close and as such, any legislation from this session needs to be passed or it will need to be reproposed in the new year.  Luckily, with so much session going on, I was able to get two of my interns out to Boston on Thursday to observe just how much work it takes to create law.  Big shout out to them for sticking it out through mid-summer session.   

After much deliberation in both branches of the legislature, The Economic Development Bill has been sent to conference committee.  This is the final step before being sent to the Governor’s desk for final approval.  This bill will have profound impacts on our local economy in the form of tax relief and a tax rebate.  In times like these, helping out our middle class is more important than ever.  

In addition to the Economic Development Bill, I’m hoping to push two other important pieces of legislation passed the finish line and onto the Governor’s desk before the end of session.  The first is the SPEED Act.  This bill would allow spouses of military personnel to expedite their re-licensure of out of state profession licenses such as therapists, teachers, and counselors.  The SPEED Act would also allow children of these families to quickly enroll in new schools and designates certain schools as “Purple Star” which would mean these schools have resources in place specifically for oft-uprooted children of military personnel.   

The second would be the legalization of sports betting in the Commonwealth.  The passage of this legislation would provide an important source of tax revenue for the state government as well as attract tourism.  This would put Massachusetts on an equal footing with more than two dozen other states that have legalized sports betting in some form or another.   

Last Monday my team held office hours at the Westfield Council on Aging and they will be holding them again next week on Monday from 10:30pm to 11:30pm at the Agawam Council on Aging and again on Friday from 10:00am to 11:00am at the Southwick Council on Aging. Please feel free to stop by with any questions or concerns–we are always happy to help! 

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 where you can also sign up for my newsletter!  

Sincerely,  

John Velis