(WWLP- 2/26/2025) Several committee leadership announcements were made at the state legislature for the new 194th legislative session.
Senator John C. Velis was reappointed as Senate Chair to the two joint committees he has previously chaired: the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, & Recovery and the Joint Committee on Veterans & Federal Affairs.
While on these committees, Velis worked to make an act relative to treatments and coverage for substance use disorder and recovery coach licensure and the Act Honoring, Empowering and Recognizing Our Service Members and Veterans (HERO Act) into law.
“I am truly honored to continue to lead these two committees again and build upon all that we accomplished last session,” Velis said. “Any time you are able to get a bill signed into law is a special thing, and I am proud that both these committees sent comprehensive legislation to the Governor’s desk last session that improve the lives of our Commonwealth’s Veterans and expands programs for those struggling with addiction. There is still plenty more to accomplish in these spaces and I am ready to get to work and build-upon last session’s momentum.”
Velis will also be serving on four other committees: the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security, the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures, and State Assets, and the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
Moving forward, Velis is looking to address the youth mental health crisis and expand support for Massachusetts military families during this session.