BOSTON (1/12/2020) – As the 191st legislative session ended last week, Senator John Velis (D-Westfield) completed 2020 without missing a vote in the Massachusetts State Senate.
“My job is to represent the people of the Second Hampden and Hampshire district on every single legislative matter that comes before us in the Massachusetts State Senate,” said Senator Velis. “At the end of the day, whether you agree with my votes or don’t agree with my votes, I was elected to participate in the process and take these difficult votes. One thing I can guarantee is that nobody will ever accuse me of ducking or running from a tough vote.”
Prior to his election to the Senate in May, Senator Velis was the State Representative for Westfield in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He did not miss a vote in the House during 2020 as well.
In the seven months Senator Velis has been in the Senate, the legislature has worked on a number of important bills, with a strong focus on COVID-19 and economic recovery. The Senator noted that he considers every bill on its merits, not by what political party put it forward, and stressed the importance of listening to different perspectives when considering a bill.
“The Second Hampden and Hampshire district is politically diverse like no other, and it has been critical for me to listen to the different perspectives in our communities,” said Senator Velis. “I am focused on the needs of my constituents and our district, and that will always be my priority.”
With the 191st session ending last Tuesday, the 192nd legislative session began Wednesday morning. Senator Velis was sworn in remotely for a full two-year term to the State Senate on Wednesday before the new legislative session began.
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