Hello Everyone,
I hope everyone was able to enjoy a safe and happy Fourth of July on Monday! The Fourth is one of my favorite holidays. Being a major in the U.S Army Reserves, I took the time to reflect on the hard-won American ideals that this holiday represents. Celebrations were in full swing around the district, honoring our nation’s independence. And this year was my newborn son, Carson’s, first Fourth of July, and we attended his first parades in both Hampton Ponds and Wyben.
After the holiday weekend, there have been some exciting events happening in the district. This past Tuesday, I attended the swearing-in ceremony at the Easthampton Fire Department. It was an honor to help celebrate new Deputy Chief Kevin Benson and new Captain Jason Dunham, along with new firefighters Tyler Colby and Nathan Cowan. Congratulations to you all! We also recognized the lifesaving actions of Easthampton resident Paul Galotti. Paul rescued a fellow resident from a building fire in May before emergency personnel arrived at the scene. Your community and I commemorate you for your bravery, Paul!
On Wednesday, I presented the Westfield American Legion Post 124 with $20,000 that I secured for the organization from the American Rescue Plan Act. This funding will help improve the condition of their facility and allow them to continuously create a community for Veterans and active members in the district.
I would also like to congratulate Kathi Cotungo for receiving the Mass Heroine Award for her work with the opioid epidemic in the community. This award is given to women who have made big difference in their communities and have displayed extraordinary acts of service. The dedication that you have exemplified does not go unnoticed, Kathi! Congratulations Kathi!
On Thursday, the Senate passed funding to fulfill the Commonwealth’s obligation to fund the settlement with the families of the Veterans affected by the COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. No amount of money will ever make up for the devastating loss and heartbreak that these families have been through, but this settlement does ensure that the families no longer need to suffer the painful and long process of litigation.
This week the House also passed the SPEED Act, a bill I filed to support military families in their transition of the Commonwealth. This passage is an important step for the bill, which will lead to increased federal investments in our military installations, and I look forward to getting it to the Governor’s desk!
Yesterday, my staff held office hours at the Russell Council on Aging from 11:30am to 12:30pm. Next week, we will hold office hours at the Chicopee Council on Aging on Monday from 10am to11am. Hope to see 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