Yearly, on March 8, we celebrate International Women’s Day. This past Tuesday I took time to reflect on the extraordinary impacts that women have had and will continue to have on our society. From the work that our local heroines do in our district, to the international organizations bringing awareness to women’s issues, it is so important that we commemorate and champion the tremendous societal contributions of women around the world. I know I would not be the senator, husband, or father I am today if not for the extraordinary women in my life.
It looks like the folks at the Agawam Senior Center are ready for a new set of wheels. Earlier this week, I presented $75,000 in earmark funding to the center. The funding, which is a product of the American Rescue Plan (ARPA), will “give the keys” to the center to acquire a new van. The issue of transportation for seniors was brought to my attention at one of my weekly office hours sessions in Agawam. I am so proud to be able to go to the State House and advocate for my constituents. Nobody should have to miss an important medical appointment due to insufficient means of transportation, especially not our seniors. Office hours will be held on Monday next week from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Chicopee Senior Center.
This week the Senate unanimously passed its Soldiers’ Home governance bill. From removing burdensome reporting layers and cleaning up the chain of command, elevating the secretary of veterans’ services to cabinet level, and putting in place important infection control and medical oversight, this legislation builds on a lot of the critical lessons that we learned since the tragic COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home in the spring of 2020.
I was also pleased that five of my amendments further streamlining the chain of command and expanding the role of each home’s Local Regional Council were adopted during the debate. It is so important that there is a clear reporting structure in place and that our local councils have a strong voice and presence on all issues pertaining to our veterans’ homes.
As the House of Representatives already previously passed a Soldiers’ Home governance reform bill, the two branches will now appoint a conference committee to reconcile differences between the two versions.
Good luck to all our local high-school athletes competing in their winter sport tournaments. Compete hard and represent the district with class and integrity! Also, shoutout to the UMass Minutewomen basketball team who won the Atlantic 10 tournament and are participating in their first-ever NCAA tournament.
Wishing everyone a happy and safe St. Patrick’s Day next week, sláinte!
As always, if there is anything I can do to assist you, never hesitate to reach out to my office. I can be reached at john.velis@masenate.gov or 413-572-3920, and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.
Sincerely,
John C. Velis