Happy Halloween Everyone,
I hope everyone got to enjoy some trick or treating this past Tuesday night. I know my family, dressed up as Woody, Jesse, and Buzz Lightyear, sure did. But spooky season, in a very New England fashion, ended abruptly Wednesday morning with an early snowfall. As temperatures drop, I want to remind everyone that my office is readily available should you need help with fuel and heating assistance applications.
This was another week packed full of legislative hearings. Monday, I chaired another hearing of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery. Many bills concerning behavioral health in carceral settings and mental health commitments were brought forth for a hearing before both the committee. In addition to chairing this committee, I also sit on the Judiciary Committee, which held a hearing on Tuesday on legislation related to probate and family matters. We are in the thick of the committee hearing season and I look forward to continuing this work as we begin to report bills out.
After the hearing Monday morning, some members of the Disabled American Veterans stopped by for State House tour. While most of the tour was left to our very knowledgeable State House tour guides, I more than happily met up with them for meet and greet to talk about some of the most pressing issues facing our veterans.
Thursday, my team attended yet a ribbon cutting ceremony for Hot Table in West Springfield. This quickly growing business has expanded to fourteen locations in and around Western Massachusetts and makes some of the best paninis around. It’s always so good to see our local businesses produce something great and to do well in the marketplace. Here’s to many more new locations as well.
That same afternoon, my team also attended the opening of a brand-new food pantry at Holyoke Community College. The pantry is a joint effort with the United Way of Western Massachusetts and will provide nutritious staples to whoever in the community may need it. A big thanks to both of these organizations for all the hard work that they do to better our communities.
On Friday, I joined the Hampden District Medical Society for their legislative breakfast in Springfield. The group has more than 900 physician members who work and reside in Hampden County and it was great to hear their input on legislation pending in the State House. Later in the day, I joined colleagues in Holyoke for a legislative update from Baystate Health. Our local healthcare professionals play a critical role in our community and I’m always grateful for these opportunities to hear from them.
Next week, my team will be hosting office hours on Monday at the Agawam COA from 11:00am to 12:00pm and at the West Springfield COA on Wednesday from 11:00am to 12:00pm. If you can’t make office hours, I can always be reached by email, john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone, (413) 527-3920, and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com
Sincerely,
