Happy New Year Everyone!
2023 has officially arrived and with it, a new legislature, a new administration, and new State Senate districts. This Wednesday marked the official swearing in ceremony for the 193rd Massachusetts General Court. I, along with my fellow State Senators, were sworn in by Governor Baker in one of his last official acts of office and officially began the new Legislative Session.
Later that evening, Governor Baker took his “lone walk” from his office to the front doors of the State House. There he exchanged gifts with Governor-Elect Healey before departing the State House steps for the very last time. The following morning, then Governor-Elect Healey was officially inaugurated as Massachusetts 73rd Governor on the floor of the House of Representatives.
With this start of the new session, the change in the State Senate districts following the census will officially go into effect. In addition to already representing Westfield, Holyoke, Chicopee, Easthampton, Southampton, Montgomery, Russell, and Agawam, I will now be representing West Springfield as well. I’m already looking forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature, the new administration, and of course our local officials to build a better future for both the district and the Commonwealth as a whole.
I didn’t spend the whole week in Boston though. Just this morning, I attended the retirement of firefighter Dave Saffron of the Easthampton Fire Department. After 39 years of distinguished service, Saffron will be hanging up his helmet. Thank you, Dave for all you have done for our community.
Firefighter Saffron isn’t the only one of Western Mass’s Finest retiring this week though. I’d like to also congratulate Tim Black of the Westfield Fire Department on his retirement after 35 years of service. Thank you, Tim. You will be missed, and we all hope you enjoy retirement!
I’d also like to congratulate the Soapy Noble Carwash in Agawam on their grand opening yesterday. I always love to see new small business opening right here in the Pioneer Valley. Thank you to all over there for putting together this event and for inviting me. Best of luck to all of you.
Next week, my office will be hosting three separate office hours at various Councils on Aging. On Monday January 9th , we will be at the Agawam COA from 11:00am to 12:00pm. On Tuesday the 10th, we will be at the Chicopee COA from 10:00am to 11:00am. On Wednesday the 11th, we will be in West Springfield for our very first office hours there from 11:00am to 12:00pm. Please feel free to stop by with any questions, comments, concerns, or just to say hello!
If you are unbale to make our office hours or need assistance any sooner, I can always be reached at my email: john.velis@masenate.gov or by phone: (413) 572-3920. You can also find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com where you can also sign up for my newsletter!
Best,
John Velis