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(BOSTON 7/7/2022) Today the Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed legislation authorizing $56 million to fulfill the Commonwealth’s settlement with the families of the Veterans who were impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. The settlement had previously been agreed to in the class action lawsuit approved by the United States District Court. Senator Velis, who represents the City of Holyoke and the Soldiers’ Home, introduced the bill on the Senate floor before the vote. 

“No amount of money will ever make up for the devastating loss and heartbreak that these families have been through. What happened at the Home was unacceptable and will forever leave a scar on the Commonwealth especially our Western Mass communities,” said Senator Velis, who is also Chairman of the Veterans’ Committee. “No dollar figure will ever bring these families their loved ones back. That anguish and grief will always be there, but this settlement does ensure that the families no longer need to suffer the painful and long process of continued litigation.” 

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While the Senate took up the Soldiers’ Home settlement, the House of Representatives today passed their version of the SPEED Act, a bill filed by Senator Velis which the Senate passed in October.

The SPEED Act supports military families in their transition to Massachusetts when service members receive orders to relocate. The legislation would speed up the professional licensure process for military spouses to ensure they can continue their careers and allow for advanced and virtual enrollment for military children to resolve disruptions in education. The bill would also help Massachusetts meet criteria used by the Department of Defense for basing assignments, like the current F-35 Fighter Jet conversion being considered for Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield.  

“Anyone who has worn the uniform or has a family member who has worn the uniform knows that the sacrifice of military service goes far beyond the individual service member. The SPEED Act is a recognition of that sacrifice and the challenges these families face,” said Senator Velis. “The bill will benefit so many military families coming to our state and will help bring massive federal investments to our Commonwealth.” 

Among other pieces, the House Bill also included a Burn Pit Bill for Veterans that was originally filed by Senator Velis when he was a member of the House. The policy would support the estimated more than 3.5 million Veterans who have been exposed to toxic burn pits during their time serving.  

The bill would provide resources for Massachusetts Veterans to register with the federal VA burn-pit database, which would in turn make them eligible for increased health care services and provide them with compensation if they have health conditions related to the toxic exposure. 

“Burn pits is to my generation of Veterans what Agent Orange was to Vietnam Veterans, and it is time that we acknowledge the serious and long-lasting health effects these toxins have,” said Senator Velis. “I have been advocating for this bill since my own time in Afghanistan and am grateful that the House has taken these important steps today for our service members and their families.” 

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Happy July Everyone, 

Summer is officially in full swing!  I hope everyone is taking advantage of everything Western Mass has to offer and is also able to enjoy this long weekend.  The Fourth of July celebrates our country’s independence and the beginning of a long endeavor for a more perfect union. I hope everyone will take some time this weekend to reflect on this. And whether you’re going to the beach, the lake, or a barbeque, please also stay safe while celebrating. 

Despite the long weekend and great weather, we still had a busy week here in the district.  On Wednesday, I was able to join West Springfield veterans for their luncheon at the Grace Lutheran Church.  It was a great event and I always enjoy meeting other veterans in the area.   

This week, my staff also held office hours in two locations. On Monday, we were at the Westfield Council on Aging and on Friday we were at their counterpart in Southwick.  We love hearing from members of the community and helping in any way we can, so please feel welcome to stop by our office hours in the future with any questions or concerns, or even just to say hi. Next week, we’ll be at the Russell COA on Friday from 11:30 to 12:30.  We hope to see you there.   

Also at the Westfield Council on Aging this Monday and alongside Mayor McCabe and Representative Pease, I presented $100,000 of funding secured from the American Rescue Plan Act to their executive director Tina Gorman.  The Westfield COA has such an engaged staff who really care about their community.  I couldn’t think of a more deserving group and I can’t wait to see the renovations they plan to use this funding for.   

Armbrook Village of Westfield dedicated a new outdoor recreation space for seniors this week and I was lucky enough to be invited to attend the ribbon cutting. Armbrook village is such a wonderful facility that takes great care of our elderly. This new outdoor space for seniors will be a great addition to their home as well as our community as a whole.  

I also attended a virtual meeting this week about the design of the new Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke.   This served as a briefing on the final design of the Home and the details of how it will be used for generations of veterans to come.  Physical work is expected to begin soon and I cannot wait to see the new facility once it’s finished.  The Home has always been an asset to the Valley and will be for decades to come.   

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 6/30/2022) Ahead of July 4^th, Governor Baker has officially signed into law a policy from Senator John Velis (D-Westfield) that will make it easier for military members serving overseas to vote. The amendment was part of the broader voting reform bill, An Act fostering voter opportunities, trust, equity and security. 

“I’m incredibly grateful that this policy for our service members has officially been signed into law.” said Senator Velis, who is Chairman of the Legislature’s Veterans Committee. “The right to vote is a fundamental right, but overseas service members are currently burdened by many logistical and operational obstacles that impact that right. Anything that we can do to make that voting process for our service-members overseas more efficient, we have an obligation to do. I am proud to say we fulfill that obligation with this law.” 

Senator Velis’ amendment will allow service members overseas to vote through a secure online portal. Fifteen states in the United States already allow similar online voting portals. 

The current process for a military member to vote from overseas starts with an absentee application to their local clerk. Then a ballot is either mailed or emailed to them overseas. The military member must then print out the ballot, fill it out, and then either fax it back to their clerk, scan it to email back, or mail it. Once it is received, an election receiver will then copy the military members name and votes onto another physical ballot before it may be counted.   

Senator Velis, noted that he himself voted from overseas during the 2018 mid-term elections when he was stationed in Afghanistan, and knows how burdensome the current process is.  

“Many times, service-members do not have functioning printers at their installations. Many times, they are not able to communicate with their municipal clerk back home. Many times, they are out on missions that take them away from their installations all together,” said Senator Velis. “I remember the excitement and great pride I felt voting during the 2018 mid-term elections from Afghanistan. At the same, I worried about how many of my fellow service-members might be missing out on this opportunity and wondered why this process could not be simpler.”  

 Service members will no longer need to find a printer or fax, worry about the back-and-forth communications with their clerk, or wonder about the privacy of their votes. It will be more efficient and cut out red tape while still ensuring safe and secure voting. 

“When you are in the military, the focus is always on the mission at hand. We —as a Commonwealth— must do everything we can to make this process as easy as possible so that our military members can exercise their right to vote and get back to their mission,” stated Senator Velis. “At the most fundamental level, this law will make it easier to vote for those who have given us our right to vote.” 

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(Northampton 6/28/2022) Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield), the Senate Chairman of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, today released the following statement on the news that the Leeds VA Medical in Northampton will remain open:  

“Yesterday a bi-partisan group of US Senators blocked the proposed closures of the Leeds VA Medical Facility in Northampton and other VA facilities across the Country. 

From the very start, so many of us have stood steadfast against this irresponsible proposal to close Leeds.  Veterans and advocates rallied, they spoke out, and they showed how critical it is for our region that this facility remains open. The powers that be heard loud and clear from us that this would have had a disastrous effect if they went forward, and I am glad that they listened.  

I am grateful to all who have to fought to ensure that the 24,000 Veterans the facility serves each year will continue get to the care they need and have earned in service to our nation.” 

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Hello Everyone, 

This week marks the official start of summer with the passage of the solstice. I hope everyone has been able to enjoy the long days despite all the rain we’ve had this week. We’ve had a very productive week here in the legislature. I certainly have and want to share some exciting news from across the district this week. 

This past Monday was Juneteenth, marking the day that the news of abolition and the end of the Civil War reached every corner of our country. The day when the last slaves learned of their freedom was a pivotal moment in our country’s struggle for equality. I hope everyone was able to observe the holiday and reflect on the significance it has played in American history.  

Last Saturday I attended a celebration congratulating Karen Salvini on 39 years of service as the clerk to City of Westfield. It was my honor attending and celebrating her hard work and dedication to the city. Congratulations on retirement, Karen! 

On Wednesday, I spoke in Springfield during the Western Mass Addiction Policy Forum hosted by Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery at the UMass Center in Springfield. I am glad we were able to talk about funding and support for those on the frontlines of substance use disorders. There is much policy and legislative work to be done locally and in the state house. It was moving to hear the stories of the many people who attended, and I am thankful to have been asked to speak. 

The Williston Library in Easthampton was able to secure $50,000 in funds from the American Recovery Plan Act. On Thursday, alongside Representative Dan Carey, Mayor Nicole LaChapelle, Director Katya Schapiro, and Board President Elizabeth Appelquist, I was happy to formally present the funds to the library. With this money, they can continue to be the cultural centerpiece of the Easthampton community. Libraries are not just a place to check out a book, they are a place of community and learning to those who need it.  

I’d like to congratulate the Westfield High School Soft Ball team on winning their state championship!  The hard work and persistence you all put in this season has shown. Your community and I are proud of your achievements, and we hope you are too! 

Today, I attended the Pascommuck Conservation Trust’s 40^th Anniversary celebration in Easthampton. This dedicated group of volunteers has grown from their first parcel in 1982 to now managing over 190 acres of preserved land. Thank you to the trust for helping to keep the Pioneer Valley beautiful for four decades! 

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 

(5/26/2022) Today the Massachusetts State Senate unanimously adopted an amendment filed by Senator John Velis (D-Westfield) that would make LGBTQ Veterans discharged under the now-repealed Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy eligible for Veteran benefits from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  

“For far too long, thousands of courageous individuals have been told that they are not worthy of the same benefits that their comrades and counterparts earned. That their service, and their sacrifice is not worth the same. All because of who they are and who they love,” said Senator Velis, who is Chair of the Veterans & Federal Affairs Committee. “The years of trauma, abuse and harassment caused by Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell cannot be undone. But we must do everything in our power to ensure that LGBTQ Veterans across the Commonwealth have the same access to benefits and services that other Veterans have.” 

“LGBTQ Veterans that were discharged under the now defunct, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, served their country proudly and are every bit as entitled to state Veteran benefits as any other service member. We are grateful to Senator Velis for his recognition of their service and his leadership in ensuring that their sacrifice will be honored by restoring the benefits that they rightfully earned.” said Tanya Neslusan, Executive Director of MassEquality. 

The Department of Defense’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy barred openly gay, lesbian or bisexual persons from military service from 1994 until 2011. During the 17 years that the policy was in effect, more than 14,000 service members were forced out of the military. Because these service members did not receive an honorable discharge, they and their families are not eligible for many Veteran benefits.  

This past fall, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs issued new guidance that Veterans discharged under the policy are eligible for federal benefits. Amendment #799 would codify into Massachusetts state law that any Veteran discharged under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell would be eligible for state benefits from the Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services.  

Under this amendment, State Veteran benefits that discharged Veterans would receive include: 

• Chapter 115 Financial Aid 
• Property Tax Exemptions 
• Tuition Waivers 
• License Plate and ID Designations 
• Veteran Annuities  
• Care at Massachusetts Soldiers’ Homes 

 “Ask the soldier who is bleeding out on the battlefield if they care about the sexual orientation of the combat medic applying the torniquet. Ask the Marine in Afghanistan or Iraq in a firefight if they care about the gender identity of the person besides them shooting to defend their life. The belief that having an LGBTQ service member would somehow keep our military from functioning or compromise our mission is unfathomable,” said Senator Velis, who is also currently a Major in the US Army Reserve. “The tragic truth is that so many service members are still feeling the effects of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell to this day. These Veterans wore the same uniform as us, they served alongside us, they fought alongside us, and they deserve to be taken care of the same way as the rest of us. It is time to do right by them.” 

With the amendment now adopted into the Senate’s budget, it will now be considered in a conference committee with the House of Representatives.   

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(6/21/2022) According to a report released by the Department of Public Health last week, opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts reached a new record high last year. The 2,290 opioid-related overdose deaths reported represent an 8.8% increase from 2020. 

Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield), who is Vice-Chair of the Legislature’s Substance Use and Recovery Committee, secured funding in the recent FY’23 Senate Budget to help combat this epidemic in Western Massachusetts. This includes $50,000 for Tapestry Health to purchase a Mass Spectrometer Device and $75,000 for Baystate Noble Hospital’s Opioid Treatment & Prevention Grant Program. 

“The numbers being reported by the Department of Public Health are utterly heartbreaking and shine a light on how hard this pandemic has been for individuals struggling with substance use,” said Senator Velis. “This period of isolation and stress has been challenging beyond belief and many people have been unable to access essential care. It is my hope that this funding will help Tapestry and Baystate expand their work and save lives throughout our communities.”  

Senator Velis’ amendment for Tapestry Health provides funding to purchase a Mass Spectrometer Device. Originally used by military forces facing bioterrorism, these devices can identify when fatal substances like Fentanyl are present in a drug supply. In 2020, Fentanyl was found in 92% of overdose related deaths in Massachusetts where a toxicology report was completed. Mass Spectrometer Devices can identify substances like Fentanyl on a mass scale and are more reliable than Fentanyl test strips.  

For the past couple of years, Tapestry has partnered with Brandeis University to use their Spectrometer Device once a month. Now, Tapestry will have one of their own to help expand this initiative and save even more lives across our region. 

“We are deeply grateful to Senator Velis for this amendment. Fentanyl and other substances that contaminate the drug supply are driving the tragic increase in opioid deaths. A spectrometer gives the community the ability to identify these contaminants and alert folks to their presence. It is a truly lifesaving tool,” said Cheryl Zoll, CEO of Tapestry Health. 

Senator Velis’ amendment for Baystate Noble Hospital in the Senate Budget will allow the hospital to continue their Opioid Treatment and Prevention Community Grant Program. The program is a partnership between Baystate and community organizations that support individuals struggling with substance use on the ground.  

With these amendments now adopted into the Senate’s budget, it will now be considered in a conference committee with the House of Representatives.   

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Hello Everyone,  

I hope everyone had a wonderful week!  I’ve been enjoying this beautiful weather while attending events all over the district this week and I have some exciting news to share with you all.  

Last week, the State Senate passed our Chapter 90 Transportation Funding bill which will bring over $6.5 million to our district for various transportation projects.  The importance of healthy transportation infrastructure cannot be overstated.  This funding will help each city and town in the district  improve their roads, bridges, public transit, and more.  

The Legislature has also recently settled on a date for our state sales tax holiday, which is now officially August 13th-14th!  Mark your calendars and shop local!  

I was honored this week to help Troop 114 fulfill their First Class requirements by having some wonderful and insightful conversations with them about the importance of government and public service.  I am consistently impressed by the passion and intelligence of our youth and I am excited to see what the future holds for this next generation of leaders.  

This week I held office hours at the Chicopee Senior Center, where members of my team helped constituents with any issues or questions they might have.  We love hearing from members of the community and helping in any way we can, so please feel welcome to stop by out office hours in the future with any questions or concerns, or even just to say hi!   

On Wednesday I met with the Agawam Housing Authority and community members. Although there are vacancies in Housing Authorities throughout Massachusetts, many folks still find themselves on waitlists for months because of the massive backlog of applications. This is an issue that I have heard directly from constituents  during office hours and that I will be bringing back to Beacon Hill to work on. Simply put, the system must be improved. 

I was also welcomed at the Westfield Rotary Club this week to update members on recent news in the state Senate, including the exciting Chapter 90 funding passage, the passage of the Senate Budget, and my continued support to suspend the gas tax so as to relieve some of the burdens of inflation.  Thank you to the Westfield Rotary Club for hosting me.  

Later this evening I’ll be attending this year’s Holyoke Pride Fest,  which will be held in Veterans Park in Holyoke from 12 pm-6 pm. I hope to see some of you there!  

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 – 06/9/2022) The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday passed a bill that would approve the authorization of $350 million towards transportation needs in the Commonwealth, including $200 million for Chapter 90 funds, which provides cities and towns with a funding source for investments in local transportation-related projects, including road and bridge repairs.

“Through Chapter 90 funding, we are able to directly invest in the local roads and transportation infrastructure that we all depend on in our communities,” said Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield). ” I am glad that all of the municipalities in my district will be receiving these funds to improve our roadways and fund local transportation projects.”

This legislation also authorizes $150 million in grant-based programs that will assist municipalities with various transportation-related projects. This includes $30 million for the municipal small bridge repair program, $30 million for the Complete Streets grant program, $25 million for bus-related projects, $25 million for increased access to mass transit and commuter rail stations, and $40 million for pavement and surface area improvements to non-federally aided roadways.

“Transportation infrastructure is a public good, and an example of an important and successful partnership between multiple levels of government,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “By incorporating decisions made by both state-level and local leaders, Chapter 90 funding ensures that many voices are heard and that new transportation projects function well at all scales of distance. I thank Chairs Crighton and Rodrigues for their work to ensure that transportation projects throughout the Commonwealth are fully funded and done so in a fiscally responsible way.”

“The Commonwealth’s overall transportation system relies on the health of our roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure,” said Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), Chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation. “The bill we passed today represents a $350 million investment that will help cities and towns make the improvements they need so that residents can travel safely and efficiently.”

Having previously been passed in the House of Representatives, the bill will be sent to the Governor after enacting votes in each chamber.

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Hello Everyone, 

I hope everyone had a good week and was able to get outside and enjoy this beautiful weather.  This week was another eventful one here in the state legislature.   

On Tuesday I attended a virtual zoom meeting with the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce.  The purpose of which was to discuss the Chamber’s legislative priorities and other ways that the legislature can best aide our local businesses.  Thank you to my colleagues in the Chamber for hosting this informative session.   

As a part of the American Recovery Plan Act that the Legislature recently passed the Westfield Food Pantry was able to secure $25,000 in funding. This past Tuesday, I presented the check to the hard working folks over at the pantry.  This money will be used to support their mobile food truck that will now be able to deliver directly to people’s homes.  This is a huge initiative from the Pantry and the community as a whole and I cannot wait to see what good they will continue to accomplish.   

It was Career Day at Franklin Avenue Elementary this past Wednesday.  I was honored to have been asked to speak to these wonderful students about my deployment to Afghanistan,  my law career, my current status as an active Major in the Army Reserves, my time serving as the State Representative from Westfield, and of course my current position as the State Senator from the Second Hampden and Hampshire State Senate district.   

Happy Pride month to everyone as well!  I kicked this one off by attending the raising of the pride flag at Holyoke City Hall this last Monday.  It’s important to celebrate who you are and to remember that we as a community are made stronger by diversity rather than weaker.  Thank you to the City of Holyoke for hosting this event.  I look forward to attending others like it in our area this Pride month.   

Last Sunday, I had the honor of presenting a citation to Abby Thibodeau of Westfield BSA Troop 124 for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor that can be attained in Scouts.  After years of working hard and serving her community, it’s very much well deserved.  Congratulations to Abby and I look forward to seeing what’s next for you.   

This week, I had two in-person office hours.  One was at the Agawam Council on Aging and the other was at the Senior Center in Russell. I and my staff understand how difficult it can be sometimes to find help with State agencies and we are always happy to meet in person to see how we can best our communities.  Thank to both of these COAs for hosting us this week.   

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