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(The Reminder- Tyler Garnet) With the new year here, Reminder Publishing talked with state Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield) to discuss his outlook and goals for 2025.

Velis was first elected to the Massachusetts state Senate in a special election in May 2020, was reelected in November 2020 to serve a full term, and reelected in 2022 for a second full term.

Prior to the Senate, Velis served as state representative for the 4th Hampden District in the House of Representatives from 2014 to 2020.
After being reelected again, Velis said he wanted to thank the voters for letting him continue the job he loves.

He said, “I love the job. My belief about public service is that if you get out there, you talk to people, if you constantly are keeping an eye out and an ear out for what people feel is important, show up at events, and you do the work, you will be rewarded. As I always say to people, there might be some positions I take that you might not like but I’m always going to sit down and have a conversation with you. It’s always going to be cordial. We can disagree without being disagreeable and I have found when you do that and you work hard, and you let people know where you stand, that’s what people want in government. I take the work of the people really, really seriously. It’s an honor and a privilege to represent the communities that I do and I’m glad to be back and be able to do it for a couple more years.”

Looking back at his previous legislative cycle, Velis highlighted two bills that were passed that made the previous legislative session “phenomenal.” Those two bills were the HERO Act and Addiction and Substance Use Disorder bill.

The HERO Act is a comprehensive and expansive legislative package dedicated to the welfare of veterans in Massachusetts. Since its filing, additional provisions have been added by the Senate and House to create over 30 provisions, including spending, policy initiatives, tax credits and statute changes, organized into four categories.

Velis, who is a veteran himself, talked more about the bill and said, “The Department of Defense has been on record saying it was the best veterans bill in America this past legislative cycle. I am the author of the Senate version of that bill. Being there, being a part of that, working with all the stakeholders and seeing the governor sign it in to law, to have the governor give me the pen to sign it into law was huge.”

The Addiction and Substance Use Disorder bill, recently signed by Gov. Maura Healey, expands access to overdose reversal drugs, establishes licensure for recovery coaches and limits legal liability for drug users and harm reduction workers who use drug-testing equipment.

Velis talked more about that bill and said, “We’re still losing way too many people to addiction. It’s something that’s very near and dear to my heart. I am a person myself in recovery with lived experience so anytime we can pass a piece of legislation that potentially could make someone live a happy and healthy life, that’s a really, really good thing.

Besides two specific bills, Velis stated he was also proud of the progress that was made with behavioral health.

“There is a behavioral health crisis across the board. Some of the stuff we were able to do in terms of resources, amendments that I filed to bills into the budget for youth behavioral health, kids’ behavioral health were a big deal. I couldn’t be more proud after this past legislative session,” Velis said.

Looking ahead to 2025 and this next legislative session, Velis said the middle class and anything involving affordability in Massachusetts is his “north star” this session.

He explained, “Some of the legislation I have filed, the guiding principle for me is going [to] be does this make Massachusetts and the people of Massachusetts, is this more affordable or less affordable to them? And does it make Massachusetts more of competitive state or less [of a] competitive state.”

Velis explained if the answer to those questions is it’s going to hurt the people or make it so people can’t live in Massachusetts, he is going to do everything to “kill the bill,” but if it makes Massachusetts more affordable and competitive, he will advocate for it.

“We need to get back to the kitchen table issues,” Velis stated.

He further explained, “I’ve long been a believer that the Democratic Party has lost touch in many regards with working class people. We need to do a much better job advocating for the middle class. It’s something that I’ve long advocated for because at the end of the day, these issues that I want to focus on this legislative session are when someone gets home at night, whether they’re talking to their husband, their wife, their mom, their, dad, their brother, their sister, wherever they go and talk to the people they’re closest with, I want to advocate for the issues that they’re talking about.”

Those issues may include the cost of housing, groceries, gas, going to restaurants.

Velis said, “There are any number of issues out there that are important. I would venture to say that every one of my colleagues when they go out and they talk to their constituents, they’re hearing about the rising costs. If we don’t listen to that, we are tone deaf. We need to focus on issues that people are focusing on. We need to rebuild the middle class and that is going to be my overarching themes and priorities this coming legislative session. If it doesn’t involve kitchen table issues, I think it is a second tier issue that we should pay less attention to.”

A message that Velis has to readers and is constituents is that he wants to know what issues and priorities are important everyone.

“If you have an issue that’s important to you, that’s presenting a challenge in your life, please, please, please reach out to me. If you see me at an event, come up to me, introduce yourself, say hello,” Velis concluded.

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Hello Everyone,

I hope you are doing well and staying warm! This upcoming Monday, Jan. 20th, the Commonwealth will observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day. As we honor his memory this weekend, I hope you can take a moment to reflect on his dedication to building a better world for all of its citizens.

To kick off the week I was over at Easthampton High School to visit their brilliant “We The People” class. For those who might not be familiar, this class teaches students how to research and apply their knowledge to legal and constitutional issues. Over the past few years students who have participated in this challenging course have gone on to win both state and national championships. I always know when I visit this class, I better prepare the night before like I did for a law school exam.

I was thrilled to join community members in Agawam on Wednesday to celebrate the grand opening of a new Italian restaurant, The Saucy Mama. I loved being able to connect and learn more about the inspiring family behind this restaurant, who through hard work took their years of experience in the restaurant industry to grow their business from a food truck to their new grab-and-go kitchen. I can’t wait to make it back over for a bite to eat!

Later in the week Representative Pease and I got together over at Westfield Technical High School to record the most recent episode of my local cable TV show “Beacon Hill to the 413”. Together Representative Pease and I dived into all that you need to know about the legislative process and some of the issues we hope to tackle this session. Keep an eye out for an airing on your local community broadcast channel or head on over to my website to watch anytime.

Later this morning I will be over at the Westfield River School on Franklin Street to celebrate the opening of the new school with an official ribbon cutting! Our children deserve to be educated in school buildings and classrooms that are equipped with the resources that meet the needs of modern-day education. That is why I was so proud to work alongside the City of Westfield in engaging with the Massachusetts School Building Authority to ensure the City received state funding to support the construction of this new school building and saving local taxpayers millions of dollars. Community members are welcome to attend the ribbon cutting and take a tour of the new classrooms beginning at 11:00AM.

This week Team Velis hosted office hours in Holyoke. Next week we will be hosting office hours at the Easthampton Council on Aging from 10:30am to 11:30am on Tuesday January 21st. If you are unable to make office hours, I can always be reached by email, john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone, (413) 572-3920, and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.

Best,

John Velis

Hello!

I hope everyone had a great week. With all the cold winter weather that has come our way I would like to remind you all that my office remains available to assist constituents with applications for fuel assistance or locating nearby warming centers.

This week I had the absolute honor of joining the City of Holyoke as they swore in their new Chief of Police, my dear friend Brian Keenan. Beyond the officer who brings the highest level of integrity and dedication to his job each and every day- Brian is truly one of the most caring and dependable guys around. Whether it was checking in with my family when I’ve been deployed overseas or being one of the first people to celebrate with Emily and I when Carson was born, I am beyond lucky to call him my friend. The City of Holyoke could truly not be in better hands with Chief Brian Keenan. Congratulations!

On Tuesday my team and I had a great time connecting with members from the Chicopee American Legion. Like many legions across the state, Post 452 has been hard at work to increase their membership and improve their building. Our American Legions are important welcoming spaces for veterans both past and present to engage and congregate. Together we discussed some of the challenges they are having and ways that I may be able to assist in the future.

With the new legislative session underway Team Velis and I were hard a work this week finalizing some of the new legislation I will be filling ahead of the bill filing deadline. Under the Legislature’s joint rules, all bills must be filed by the third Friday in January of the first annual session, this year being January 17th. While my colleagues and I can file some bills later in the session those pieces of legislation will have to navigate additional committees due to their tardiness. As we continue to move forward in the 194th legislative session I will be sure to keep you updated on different aspects of the legislative process.

This week Team Velis hosted the first office hours of 2025 in Agawam and West Springfield. Next week we will be hosting office hours on Tuesday morning at the Chicopee Council on Aging from 10:00AM to 11:00AM and on Wednesday at the Holyoke Council on Aging from 10:00AM to 11:00AM. If you are unable to make office hours, I can always be reached by email, john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone, (413) 572-3920, and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.

Best,

John Velis

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

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

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

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Happy New Year!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best,

John Velis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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