Hello Everyone,
I hope you all have been enjoying the foliage as it finally comes in to peak this week.
We’ve had a packed week here in the legislature and district. Monday morning, I shared testimony with the legislature in support of my bill, S.2442, also known as the Taylor Swift Bill. All too often, ticket sales companies will add extra fees at the end in addition to the advertised ticket prices. This legislation makes sure that these wholesalers are upfront and honest about their pricing whether tickets are purchased for football games, plays, and yes even Taylor Swift Concerts.
Wednesday morning, I attended the West of the River Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast with many of my fellow elected officials. We met with small and local business owners from all over West Springfield and Agawam to discuss our region’s economic needs. Later that day was
Wednesday Afternoon was also the official ribbon cutting for the second-floor office space of the Westfield Council on Aging. Partially funded by money I secured from the American Rescue Plan Act; this brand-new facility will be used to support our seniors and expand access to services. If you haven’t already been down to this beautiful building and worked alongside their excellent staff, I highly recommend that you do.
On Thursday I was proud to join the Massachusetts Police Association and accept their “Legislator of the Year”. It’s an honor to advocate on Beacon Hill for the men and women who serve our communities as law enforcement officers, and I am humbled by this special award.
Friday afternoon marked another ribbon cutting. This time it was for a brand-new restaurant on East Mountain Road in Westfield, Pitstop BBQ. Congratulations to the new owners and staff, and best of luck!
Friday night was the International Volleyball Hall of Fame Induction ceremony here in Holyoke. Athletes from all over the world were honored with induction including Olympic gold medalist and four-time Olympian Phil Dalhausser for the United States. The Hall of Fame is a special claim for the City of Holyoke and it’s always special to be able to welcome these athletes to the City and congratulate them on their contributions to the sport over the years.
My team hosted office hours at the Easthampton COA on Tuesday and at the Holyoke COA on Wednesday. Next week, we will be hosting office hours at the Westfield COA on Monday from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, the Russell COA on Tuesday from 11:30am to 12:30pm, and on Wednesday at the Southampton COA from 9:30am to 10:30am. 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,
John Velis