Hello everyone,
I hope you all had a great week, and were able to enjoy the long weekend a little bit. I have some updates regarding unemployment assistance, COVID-19 testing, and some events from this week, but first I want to acknowledge the 19th anniversary of 9/11 this past Friday.
September 11th, 2001, will forever be engrained in my mind, as I remember all those that lost their lives that day, including those from our own Westfield community; Brian Murphy, Tara Shea Creamer and Daniel Trant. The atrocious terrorist acts of 9/11 changed our country forever. Through tragic loss, we saw how truly selfless and brave our first responders were, as they ran towards danger that morning and not away from it. And we saw the courage of all Americans in the days following. We must always stand together against acts of evil and hate, and never forget the day we lost so many. I spent Friday morning with the Westfield Fire Department for their annual ceremony of reflection and remembrance in honor of first responders. I then joined other elected officials and the families of Westfield Natives who fell victim to the attacks for a Wreath laying at the 9/11 Monument on North Elm Street.
Two years ago, while I was deployed in Afghanistan, I participated in a 9/11 remembrance ceremony in Kabul, not far from where the attacks were planned. Soldiers and marines of all ages gathered, and all understood the importance and meaning of why we were there. It was one of the most moving experiences I can remember. To see some of the younger soldiers have tears in their eyes for events that occurred before they were alive, or when they were just a very young child, is something that I will never forget. To this day we still have men and women in harms way in Afghanistan and elsewhere, and we must never forget their sacrifices and service as well.
A few weeks ago, Massachusetts was approved for grant funding to pay an additional weekly unemployment benefit to claimants under the Federal Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program for the 3 weeks ending 8/1, 8/8, and 8/15. I am now happy to report that we have also been approved for the weeks ending 8/22, and 8/29! An additional application for a 6th week of 9/5 is currently being reviewed as well. While we are still waiting on a long-term package from the Federal Government, this funding will provide $300 a week to those who were eligible. No action is needed, and payments are expected to be in claimants bank accounts around 9/15/2020.
The State’s Stop-The-Spread COVID-19 testing has been expanded in Holyoke. In addition to testing at Holyoke Community College, free testing is now offered at Holyoke Veterans Benefits Dept., in the parking lot across from 310 Appleton St. Walkup testing is available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 2-6PM. You may contact 413-322-5595 with questions.
On Monday, I went over to Springfield City Hall for a rally put on by the Western mass affiliate of the AFL-CIO. The action was part of a statewide Labor Day mobilization that demanded a recovery to our economy that works for the working class. I was proud to stand with so many union members, and was joined by co-legislators Rep. Aaron Vega, Sen. Jo Comerford, and Sen. Elect Adam Gomez. We need to make sure our economic recovery focuses on the working class, those who have been contributing and providing for our communities since day one.
Tuesday morning began with a meeting with Western Mass Housing First, where my staff and I received an update on Homelessness in Western Mass. Later that day I went over to the Easthampton Community Center for a tour. The community center has provided food, including fresh vegetables, to so many community members prior to COVID-19, but has really stepped up during this pandemic. I wrapped up my day by having an extensive zoom meeting discussion with constituents. I always want to hear what’s on peoples minds, and speaking directly with constituents is my favorite part of the job!
On Wednesday morning, I drove over to Easthampton to meet with Chief Norris and the Easthampton Fire Department. They showed me their operation, and even took me up in the 100 foot ladder truck! After this, I headed over to the Holyoke Senior Center to help hand out some Grab and Go Lunches to constituents. Later that afternoon I had a very informative meeting with Holyoke City Councilor Terry Murphy regarding housing subsidies. I want to highlight Caden, a sophomore at WHS who shadowed me for part of Wednesday. Caden was enthusiastic and very helpful, and it was great to have him along. I can’t wait to see what he goes on to do!
Thursday was a day full of meetings for me! I met with Westfield City Councilor Kristen Mello to receive a PFAS update and discuss some possible legislative options moving forward. Afterwards, staff and I joined the Hilltown Domestic Violence Task Force for their monthly meeting, where I found out more about their work. In the later afternoon, I had a meeting with some of the leadership team at Providence Behavioral Health, where we discussed the different services they provided and how they are transitioning during this time. I wrapped up my afternoon with a Zoom Forum hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Payette (the architecture firm tapped for the Holyoke Soldiers Home project). The firm is still in the initial planning phase of the project, and I shared a lot of input on what I’ve been hearing from residents, families, and staff about how they want the new home to look. I think it’s crucial that this project accounts for those who will be relying on the Home in the future, and understands the needs of the next generation of Veterans, so that we have a facility that is sustainable for years to come.
Later Friday afternoon, I joined One Holyoke CDC and the Food Bank of Western Mass to help out with some food distribution and census collection efforts. I finished my day by helping out at a Drive-In Movie showing in Southwick that is helping the Southwick Civic Fund and the Wick 338 fundraise for a future Veteran’s memorial.
As always, if there is anything I can do to assist you, please never hesitate to reach out to my office. I can be reached at my email: john.velis@masenate.gov or by phone: (413) 572-3920, and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.
Sincerely,
John C. Velis