BOSTON (11/19/2020)
The Massachusetts State Senate unanimously adopted an amendment sponsored by Senator John C. Velis that provides $200,000 for the creation of an ombudsman’s office at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home and $200,000 for increased and improved resources for residents. In remarks given on the Senate floor, Senator Velis stressed the importance of instituting an ombudsman’s office.
“This office will be an independent, impartial, and confidential resource for residents and families to turn to when issues and concerns with care arise,” said Senator Velis. “Having someone directly on the ground at the Home, who can properly investigate problems before they worsen is critical, and this ombudsman would be that oversight that the Home so desperately needs.”
Senator Velis, a Veteran and Major in the U.S. Army Reserves, currently sits on the Legislative Soldiers’ Home Oversight Committee and has been a part of public hearings and listening sessions with residents, families and staff. He referenced these sessions in his remarks.
“I have heard from families and Veterans time and time again of the great relationships that residents form at the Home, and how Veterans want to live there and be around others who have also served,” said Senator Velis. “What has also become apparent, is that there is not enough support for the residents and families at the Home. This amendment begins to fix that.”
The $200,000 allocated for supplies and resources will go to a variety of different initiatives, and Senator Velis stated that he wanted to give the Home the flexibility to spend the funds where they were needed most. In the Senate’s COVID-19 Supplemental budget that was passed in July, Senator Velis had also secured $250,000 for increased Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at the Home, which has since been disbursed.
“In the supplemental budget the priority was to get more PPE to the Home, because that was really the immediate concern that we were hearing about at that time,” said Senator Velis. “Now we need to focus on how to improve the quality of care more generally, whether that be new commodities, improved sanitation, or other investments.”
In addition to these amendments, the Senate’s Final Budget appropriates $25.5M to the Home’s administrative account, $1.5M higher than last year’s funding.  Senator Velis noted his appreciation to the Senate Ways & Means Committee for their collaboration throughout the budget process, and stated that this support will help the Home increase staffing levels and meet other deficiencies.
Late Wednesday night, the senate passed the final budget. Next, the Senate and House will meet in conference committee to work out differences between the two versions, before a finalized budget is sent to the Governor for his consideration.