Hello Everyone,
Summer was in the air this week. I hope everyone was able to get outside and enjoy the nice weather. For us here in the legislature, it’s been a packed week as senate budget negotiations are well under way.
A few months ago, I was able to secure $100,000 of funding for Baystate’s opioid grant program. The initiative provides grants to community organizations throughout our region who work to treat and prevent opioid addiction. On Friday, I presented this funding to the president of Baystate. Addiction is sadly one of the most serious problems facing our community and one would be hard pressed to find someone whose life has not been touched by this epidemic. Treatment and prevention are the two most potent weapons in our armory. As Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Recovery, I will always do everything in my power to help lift our community and the commonwealth as a whole from the thrall of the opioid crisis.
This week marks National Police Week. I was honored when the Western Massachusetts of Chiefs of Police Association asked me to be their keynote speaker. I had to the chance to speak at the memorial on Wednesday and honor our officers who have fallen in the line of duty. I would like to thank all our police officers and their families for the sacrifices they make every day.
Behavioral Health Network Inc. has recently appointed a new CEO, Steve Winn, whom I met with this week as well. Steve has been a steadfast employee for BHN for the last 25 years and while I am sad to see the previous CEO, Kathy Wilson, head into retirement, I know it’s much deserved and that Steve will do an excellent job as their new chief executive. Behavioral Health Inc. provides critical mental health services for the Greater Springfield Area and I’m looking forward to continuing our partnership to make these services available to all who need them.
This week I also had the opportunity to get out in West Springfield. On Tuesday I toured the ongoing Coburn Elementary School project alongside Mayor Reichelt. Having a modern, clean, and spacious environment is conducive to a great learning experience for our children and I am so excited to see the students of West Springfield thrive in their new school building next fall. On Wednesday I joined Representative Finn to visit the West Springfield Boys & Girls Club. It was great to meet some of the folks who keep the Club running about learn about programs offered for youth.
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