Hello Everyone,
This Monday marked the 22nd anniversary of the September 11th Attacks. We will never forget the lives we lost nor the brave men and women who ran into danger that fateful day. I attended many events right here in Westfield including a wreath laying at the 9/11 memorial on Elm Street for the families who lost loved ones, a raising at the Fire Station on main street, and another ceremony at the Sons of Erin later in the evening. Thank you to everyone who made these events possible and to all our first responders who continue to be there when we need them most.
With formal legislative session back in full swing, this week was jammed packed with hearings. This week, two committees on which I proudly serve— the Joint Committee on the Judiciary and Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, held hearings and received testimony on a myriad of bills. This is the just the start of the legislative process and I’m looking forward to all that we are going to accomplish in the legislature this session.
Tuesday morning, legendary Western Mass burger joint, White Hut, opened a second location after almost 84 years in business in their West Springfield location. This new Holyoke location is sure to become just as beloved as the first. Congratulations to the team there and thank you for inviting my office to the ribbon cutting.
Tuesday evening, Representative Pease and I attended Southampton’s Select Board meeting to provide them with an in person update as to what’s going on in Beacon Hill. We discussed many issues facing not just the town of Southampton but the entire Commonwealth. A big thank you to the Select Board for having us and I look forward to the next one.
Thursday afternoon, my team and I met with Tapestry Health in Holyoke. This organization provides critical and often lifesaving services to those in our community suffering from substance abuse disorders. I saw first-hand the work they do to prevent overdose deaths and to connect people with the resources they need to start on the path of recovery. As Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Recovery, it’s paramount to creating effective legislation that I see in person how the substance abuse epidemic is ravaging our communities. Thank you to Tapestry for having us and we are lucky to have you shoulder to shoulder in this fight.
This week my team hosted office hours at the Chicopee COA on Tuesday and at the West Springfield COA on Wednesday. Next week, we will be at the Easthampton COA on Tuesday from 10:30am to 11:30 and at the Holyoke COA on Wednesday from 11:0am to 11:00am. 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