Hi everyone,
I hope you all had a great week and had the opportunity to make your voice heard on Election Day. Civic participation is one of the foundations of our democracy, and I am grateful to everyone who took the time to vote and engage in their community.
This week, my office was honored to host the Youth PhotoVoice Exhibit at the State House. The project highlights youth perspectives on substance use, community safety, and harm reduction through photography. Featuring work from students in Holyoke, the exhibit provided an important platform for young people to share their experiences, and it was an honor to celebrate the creativity and thoughtfulness of these talented photographers.
I began the week on Monday at the grand opening of the Western Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans’ Services. This important investment will make it easier for veterans and their families throughout the region to access the support, resources, and services they have earned through their sacrifice and service to our country.
Later that day, I visited Ms. Marafuga’s class at Westfield Intermediate School, where I joined students in creating cards that will be distributed to local veterans in recognition of Veterans Day. This marks the seventh year my office has organized this initiative, and it is always inspiring to see young people come together to express their gratitude to those who served.
On Thursday, I traveled to Boston for the Senate’s formal session, where my colleagues and I debated and voted on the supplemental closeout budget for Fiscal Year 2026. This supplemental budget includes important funding for priorities such as early education, municipal public safety needs, and support for behavioral health, helping ensure communities across Massachusetts have the resources they need to thrive.
Thursday evening, I returned to the district to attend the Chicopee Elks Lodge Veterans Appreciation Dinner. It was a pleasure to spend time with local veterans, share a meal, and reflect on what military service and veteran status mean to me.
I wrapped up the week with a visit to Gateway Regional School for their Veterans Day assembly. It is always rewarding to speak with students about the significance of Veterans Day and the sacrifices made by those who have worn our nation’s uniform. I was honored to participate in the panel discussion and share my experiences, and I appreciated the students’ thoughtful questions and engagement.
This week, Team Velis hosted office hours in Agawam. Next week, we’ll be at the Chicopee Council on Aging on Tuesday from 10:00-11:00am. We will not be hosting office hours at the West Springfield Council on Aging in observance of Veterans Day. If you’re unable to attend, please feel free to reach out by email at john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone at (413) 572-3920, or online at senatorjohnvelis.com.
Sincerely,
John Velis