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(10/01/2024- AGAWAM) Following a nomination from Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield), Bridgeport National Bindery Inc. was honored last Wednesday as a 2024 recipient of the “Making it in Massachusetts” Manufacturing Award presented by the Massachusetts Legislative Manufacturing Caucus. This award is given in recognition of outstanding leadership skills in the manufacturing industry. The company was presented with this award at the 9th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, September 25^th at the Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA. 

“This past April I had the opportunity to tour Bridgeport National Bindery’s facility in Agawam where I got to see firsthand to see how some of my favorite books are printed and bound.” shared Senator Velis. “I was beyond proud to nominate Bridgeport for this statewide award, in recognition of the contributions they make to our local economy and community. Local businesses in our Commonwealth like Bridgeport are a vital element of our state’s business sector and showcase Massachusetts manufacturing prowess every day on the national and international stage.” 

For over 75 years, Bridgeport National Bindery has been thoughtfully making books with individual attention and care. Bridgeport National Bindery has both embraced and adapted to rapidly changing technology in its manufacturing space while continuing to produce better books, faster. Bridgeport National Bindery offers numerous products, services, and workflows to meet the needs of their clients.  

“On Wednesday Dan Swiecanski and I attended the Manufacturing Awards Ceremony over in Foxborough, and we appreciated the nomination that Senator Velis provided to us,” shared Bruce Jacobsen, Executive Vice President of Bridgeport National Bindery, Inc. “It was good to be able to meet and mix with a variety of other awardees. During the event we were able to connect with a couple of companies that may provide us some assistance down the road. “  

Each year, the Massachusetts Legislative Manufacturing Caucus hosts the Manufacturing Awards Ceremony to highlight many of the Commonwealth’s most noteworthy manufacturers and celebrate their successes as leading manufacturers in the industry. This recognition is reserved for Commonwealth manufacturers that exemplify what it means to “make it in Massachusetts” and propel their industry towards continued growth and innovation. This year, over 50 diverse manufacturers were selected by legislators from across the Commonwealth to be recognized at the awards ceremony. 

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I hope everyone is doing well this week.  As temperatures begin to drop, I want to remind everyone that my office and staff are readily available to connect you or anyone you love with the resources to access fuel assistance.  As with any application, I always recommend applying on the early side! 

This Friday was my team’s “District Day”! I like to take the opportunity whenever possible to bring my entire staff together from both Boston and Western Massachusetts to participate in a tour of the district or exciting events. As part of our day long line up we made sure to head on over to the Big E. For our region, these seventeen days represent not just a significant part of our local economy but also showcase the heart of our culture! The Eastern States Exposition is a chance for the small businesses, local artisans and family farms that make up our communities to put themselves on the national stage.  A stop at the Big E is never complete without trying some of the fantastic food options including the apple cider donuts, baked potatoes, and of course pilgrim grinders from the Massachusetts building!  

Later in the day I joined my friends from the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce to welcome State Line Oil & Propane to Westfield with a ribbon cutting at their new location. It is always great to see a new business opening up in our district and I wish them the best of luck in their new endeavors.  

This week, my team hosted office hours at the Westfield COA on Monday.  On Tuesday and Wednesday, I was lucky to have been able to join my team and host office hours at the Russell COA and the Southampton COA. I always appreciate those who stop into office hours to share what is on their mind or to discuss how my office can be of assistance.  

Our next office hours will be the following Monday, October 7^th, at the Agawam COA 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. 

Sincerely, 

John Velis 

Hello Everyone, 

I hope everyone is able to enjoy this beautiful autumn weather that has finally came our way! 

I started off my Monday with a visit to Barnes Municipal Airport where I was privileged to tour one the gems of the Westfield Public Schools, the Technical Academy’s Aviation Maintenace program.  This program allows our high school students to learn hands on skills about the repair and maintenance of aircrafts to prepare them to become FAA certified mechanics following graduation. This is truly a wonderful program that gives our students so many opportunities as well as building a much-needed workforce through this experience. 

On Tuesday, I joined representatives from the Gandara Center and the Providers’ Council for the first ever Western Massachusetts “Caring Force Rally” at Westfield State University, the goal of which was to raise awareness for direct care service providers.  Care providers play such an important role that so often goes unnoticed, and I was proud to have been asked to speak to help raise awareness about the dedicated and selfless work of our human service providers. 

I was beyond honored to have been inducted into the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield’s “Wall of Fame” on Wednesday evening. Over the years I have been lucky enough to spend a lot of time with the youth and staff over at the Boys and Girls Club whether it was simply shooting hoops, having the opportunity to be a youth mentor, or now having the ability to proudly advocate for the Club on Beacon Hill. There are truly not enough words to express my appreciation to the Club for recognizing me in this way and more importantly the life changing work they do each day! 

Thursday, my staff and I joined community members at the Westfield Council on Aging’s Senior Options Wellness event.  This event allowed for seniors to learn more about the resources and programs available to them. Team Velis and I were lucky enough to host a table to share about the many different ways that my office can assist constituents of all ages! Never hesitate to reach out if we can be of assistance. 

Later that day, I was proud to have joined Community Roots Neighborhood Services for their monthly neighborhood veterans’ lunch over in Holyoke where they specifically honored our Korean War veterans with challenge coins and certificates of appreciation.  Thursday also marked Community Roots’ 8^th anniversary of hosting these monthly lunches that bring the local veteran community together! 

This week my team hosted office hours in Easthampton on Tuesday and in Holyoke on Wednesday. Next week, we will be at the Westfield COA on Monday September 23^rd from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, the Russell COA on Tuesday September 24^th from 11:30am to 12:30pm, and the Southampton COA on Wednesday September 24^th from 9:30am to 10:30am.  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. 

Sincerely, 

John Velis 

Transportation, housing, climate projects could benefit from up to $17.5 billion in investment

BOSTON (9/19/2024) — Today, the Massachusetts Legislature passed a bill that will allow the Commonwealth to more effectively compete for federal funding that could be invested in transformative projects related to transportation, housing, climate, economic development, and technology.

S.2954, An Act to provide for competitiveness and infrastructure investment in Massachusetts, takes advantage of the interest accrued from the Commonwealth’s Stabilization Fund and leverages that interest to ensure the state receives the maximum possible share of federal funds. The Commonwealth’s Stabilization Fund has an all-time high balance of over $8 billion. It is currently estimated that Massachusetts could receive up to $17.5 billion through historic, once-in-a-generation federal funding opportunities.

“Remaining competitive, equitable, and affordable as a Commonwealth means thinking creatively about our state’s finances and seizing opportunities,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “We have been fiscally prudent in building up the largest rainy day fund in Massachusetts’ history, which allows us to leverage our robust interest earnings to compete for federal dollars that will help us strengthen our infrastructure. I am grateful to the Governor and her Administration for filing this legislation, to Chair Rodrigues for his leadership, and to the Senate’s members for their efforts and support.”

“Ensuring that the Commonwealth is able to aggressively compete for the federal funding being made available to states is critical,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “The projects and investments that will be funded across the United States because of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act will transform this country and create a significant number of jobs in the process. It’s vital that Massachusetts does everything that it can to share in that prosperity. I want to thank Chairman Michlewitz and Chairman Lewis for their work on this issue, as well as all my colleagues in the House and our partners in the Senate for recognizing the importance of this legislation.”

“With this agreement in place, the Commonwealth will now be able to fully leverage federal funds for substantial investments in housing, transportation, climate, and economic development and technology,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “By diverting interest accrued from the Stabilization Fund, which currently sits at more than $8 billion, we can unlock our share of the $17 billion available at the

federal level, spur investments in regional projects, and dedicate $12 million to further assist municipalities when they compete for federal matching funds. This legislation also allows us to pay down long term liabilities quicker when the Stabilization Fund is at its current healthy level. By establishing a dedicated and primary funding account, we are sending a strong message to the federal government that the Commonwealth is serious about partnering on capital investment projects.”

“Giving the Commonwealth a competitive edge when it comes to competing for Federal dollars is paramount. By building off the interest earned from the historic high balance of the Rainy Day Fund we will be better positioned to compete for Federal matching grant to improve our infrastructure and other critical needs,” said House Committee on Ways and Means Chair Representative Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston). “I want to thank all my colleagues in the House and Senate for their commitment to getting this legislation over the finish line.”

“Our Commonwealth will now be in a position to take advantage of every available federal dollar, so that we can continue to meet our ambitious goals and remain fiscally responsible,” said Senator John J. Cronin (D-Fitchburg), a member of the conference committee. “I’m thankful to Senate President Spilka and Chairman Rodrigues for their work to make our state more competitive and affordable for everyone.”

“This final legislation passed today increases our Commonwealth’s ability to compete for federal funds while also paying down our debt obligations,” said Representative Jack Patrick Lewis (D-Framingham), Chair of the House Committee on Federal Stimulus and Census Oversight. “It was an honor to chair this bill’s legislative hearing with my Vice Chair, Rep. Chris Hendricks, and to work with my committee to put forward the bill passed by the House earlier this year. I’m grateful to Speaker Ron Mariano for naming me to this conference committee, and to Chair Aaron Michlewitz and the other conferees for crafting this final bill. I look forward to supporting and celebrating the transformation projects that this legislation will make possible.”

“I am optimistic that there has been an agreement made upon where the federal funds will be allocated within our Commonwealth. The needs of the public are ever-changing when it comes to the infrastructure of the state, and to be able to keep up with the needs of our residents is imperative when it comes to accomplishing important public purposes,” said Senator Patrick M. O’Connor (R-Weymouth), a member of the conference committee. “Public safety and convenience will ensure that the roles that we all have continue to operate smoothly and keep Massachusetts on the national stage as a competitive economy. Thank you to my colleagues in the House and Senate for their joint work on this bill.”

“We are constantly competing with 49 other states for our share of limited federal dollars,” said Representative Mathew J. Muratore (R-Plymouth). “Leveraging the interest on our Rainy Day Fund will give us a significant advantage by better positioning Massachusetts to successfully secure much-needed federal dollars that will help pay for a wide range of infrastructure projects.”

The initiative requires the Comptroller to transfer interest from the Stabilization Fund to the Commonwealth Federal Matching and Debt Reduction Fund on a quarterly basis if the stabilization balance reaches certain benchmarks. The Secretary of Administration and Finance (A&F) would then pursue federal funding opportunities available due to the availability of federal funds for infrastructure, resiliency and economic development projects.

At its current level, the Stabilization Fund is anticipated to accumulate approximately $250 million in interest annually. Currently, that interest is deposited directly back into the fund. Once signed into law, this bill will require the Comptroller to transfer interest from the Stabilization Fund to the Commonwealth Federal Matching and Debt Reduction Fund when amounts exceed 10 per cent of budgeted revenues of the previous fiscal year; and the balance of the fund has not decreased in the previous year. When a diversion does occur, the interest will be used for two key purposes, including matching funds for federal grants, during this unique opportunity of Federal investments; and long-term debt management strategies.

Over the coming years, this bill is expected to unlock more than $800 million in funds that will be used to fund the state or municipal match requirement for federal competitive grant opportunities, as well as planning work that will help municipalities with the process of preparing applications for federal grants. Once federal grant opportunities expire, money in this fund will go toward reducing the Commonwealth’s long-term liabilities.

Through three pieces of federal legislation—the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) Act—over $2 trillion in spending is being made available to states through competitive grant programs and formula allocations. With this bill, the Commonwealth will be maximizing its position to capitalize on these substantial federal funding opportunities.

Having been passed by both chambers, the bill now goes to the Governor for her signature.

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(9/12/2024- West Springfield) Earlier today Senator John C. Velis visited the West Springfield Council on Aging to serve lunch to local seniors and celebrate the Senior Center’s recent purchase of a new vehicle.  Senator Velis was able to secure $25,000 in the Fiscal Year 2024 State Budget to support the Council on Aging’s efforts in purchasing a vehicle to improve transportation options for local seniors. 

“Our Councils on Aging provide critical services each and every single day to the older adults in our community and I am proud to have helped my friends at the West Springfield Council on Aging expand those services with the purchase of their new vehicle,” said Senator Velis. “From helping our seniors pick up food at the grocery story to attending a medical appointment, I am proud to have helped support the COA in expanding the transportation services available to our local seniors.”  

During today’s gathering to celebrate the purchase of the new vehicle, Senator Velis was also joined by West Springfield Mayor Reichelt, Representative Michael Finn, and Council on Aging Director Laurie Gearing. West Springfield Residents over the age of 60 can inquire with the Council on Aging to schedule a ride to local activities, grocery shopping, and routine medical appointments.  

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Happy September everyone, 

This past Monday marked the passage of Labor Day and with it for many the end of summer.  After a good one, it’s time to get back in the swing of things.   

My team and I have been all over the district this week.  I started off my week with my monthly office hours at the Agawam Senior center where both I and my staff met and chatted with many of our seniors in Agawam.  Getting out into the community and meeting those I have the honor of representing is one of my favorite duties as an elected official and the group down in Agawam is always such a wonderful crowd.   

Wednesday, I started off my day with a tour of the Holyoke Farmers’ Market.  This is such great event that is held twice a week to provide the opportunity to purchase healthy locally grown produce.  I also used this opportunity to discuss the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) with both local farmers and consumers.  HIP allows our underserved communities to access healthy and nutritious foods that are sometimes inaccessible while supporting our local farmers in the process. Thank you to the Farmers Market for having me and for all the work they do in the community.   

Wednesday also marked the start of Glendi here in Western Massachusetts.  Glendi is a three-day festival celebrating Greek culture, and of course includes a lot of food and dancing! As a proud American of Greek descent, this is one of my favorite festivals here in the Greater Springfield area.  I was proud to join many of my fellow Greek Americans at the flag raising at Springfield City Hall and can’t wait to make it over to this weekend’s festivities at the Greek Cultural Center. Yiamas! 

Thursday, Major General Gary Keefe and I had the unique honor of hosting the Paraguayan Minister of Defense, Oscar Luis González, at the State House.  In 2001, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Republic of Paraguay entered into a partnership via the State Partnership Program, a program which promotes long-term, enduring, and mutually beneficial security relationships with allied nations around the world.  I’m looking forward to all that our two peoples can accomplish together.       

This week my team hosted office hours in Agawam on Tuesday.  Next week, we will be hosting Chicopee Office hours on Tuesday September 10^th from 10:00am to 11:00am at the COA and on Wednesday September 11^th, we will be hosting office hours at the West Springfield COA 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. 

Sincerely, 

John Velis

New name centers skills and strengths of people with disabilities, removes offensive terminology

(BOSTON—9/5/2024) Today the Massachusetts Legislature passed legislation to rename the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) to MassAbility, a change that will define the agency’s role in supporting residents with disabilities live independently.

The name change reflects the intention to empower individuals living with disabilities and move away from outdated terminology as the office undergoes broad changes towards a more expansive model for disability employment services and independent living.

The legislation also removes offensive terminology in the Massachusetts General Laws referring to people with disabilities in sections of the law that pertain to MassAbility.

“Every person has the right to live an independent and meaningful life regardless of ability, with the same access to work, housing, and services that every resident deserves,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This name change reflects the strong work of MassAbility to deliver that access to every individual who works with them. In removing archaic laws, we are taking an important step towards making our laws reflective of the equitable Commonwealth we continue to strive for. I’m deeply grateful to the Governor for filing the legislation, my colleagues for their support, Speaker Mariano, and our partners in the House.”

“As lawmakers, we know that words matter,” said Speaker of the House Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “This legislation is our latest effort to ensure that our state laws do not use antiquated words that carry negative connotations, words that also serve as a reminder of past injustices. I would like to thank Governor Healey for filing the bill originally, as well as all my colleagues in the House and our partners in the Senate for voting to send this legislation to the Governor’s desk for her signature.”

“With the Governor’s signature, Massachusetts will join the growing list of states that utilize empowering titles to replace archaic terminology no longer appropriate in today’s world,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Renaming the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) to MassAbility reflects the Commonwealth’s commitment towards helping individuals with disabilities gain greater autonomy

and independence. This new terminology is so important in that it signifies a nationwide focus on removing barriers for people with disabilities, and recognizing and advancing a person’s strengths and skill sets as they seek better vocational opportunities and independent community living.”

“By renaming the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to MassAbility it will signal a more open and dedicated environment that empowers titles and moves away from archaic terminology,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). “I want to thank all my colleagues in the House and Senate for their commitment to getting this legislation over the finish line.”

“This legislation is not just a name change but a mission enhancement,” said Senator Nick Collins, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration & Regulatory Oversight. “By defining the Commonwealth’s response now with emphasis on the abilities of our citizens, we are taking the MassAbility Commission in a new proactive, positive direction to better serve the community’s needs.”

“The language we use is important. Changing the agency’s name to MassAbility represents a shift in the perception on disability, focusing instead on the strengths, skills, and capabilities of every individual, said Representative Antonio F. D. Cabral (D-New Bedford), House Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. “This new name of the agency reduces stigma and emphasizes equal access, self-determination, and inclusion. I believe, as MassAbility, the agency will project the abilities rather than the barriers for jobseekers.”

“This historic legislation represents the state’s commitment to propelling the disability movement forward,” said Commissioner Toni Wolf. “Language has the power to shape people and culture, tackle stigmas, biases, and stereotypes. For too long, the words we’ve used have not reflected the strengths, resilience, and determination of the disability community. This legislation changes that. We are changing life in Massachusetts for the better, making it more equitable, accessible, and inclusive for people with disabilities.”

Having passed both chambers of the Legislature, the measure will now be sent to the Governor’s desk for her signature.

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Happy Labor Day Weekend!

I hope all of our students, teachers, and school administrators who returned to the classroom this week had a great start to the new school year!

This week it was great to attend a number of community events, celebrations, and grand openings across the Hampden and Hampshire Senate district. Monday morning, I attended the grand opening of NOVA Home Improvement’s brand-new headquarters over in Agawam where they also celebrated their official membership to the West of the River Chamber of Commerce. I was honored to have presented them with a citation to commemorate the occasion. This week we also had two new restaurants open in our area! On Monday night I presented a citation to Beveridge’s Cocktail Lounge in Easthampton for their grand opening and on Friday I joined my friends at Tribeca Gastro Bar and Grill in Westfield for their grand opening as well. This week I also had the opportunity to recognize MiraVista Behavioral Health Center and the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts with a citation for their efforts to support adolescent mental health this summer.

Through the week I also joined community members in Easthampton, Holyoke, Springfield, and Westfield at overdose awareness and remembrance events ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day. International Overdose Awareness Day, which is held annually on the last day of August, is the world’s largest campaign to end overdoses and remember those who have died. Families continue to be forever devasted by overdoses each day in our Commonwealth despite the critical progress we have made in the last year to reduce overdose deaths. I am grateful to the organizations and community members who have helped organize these events in our region this month and am inspired by all the family members who have lost loved ones who have shared their powerful stories.

This week my team hosted office hours in Westfield on Monday, Chicopee on Tuesday, and in Southampton on Wednesday. Next week, due to the holiday, we will be hosting our Agawam office hours on Tuesday 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.

I hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend, and don’t forget to make it out the polls on Tuesday September 3rd to participate in the State Primary.

Sincerely,

John Velis