Happy Autumn Everyone,
This past Saturday marked the Autumnal Equinox and the astronomical end of summer and the beginning of fall. Though with the cool temperatures, changing leaves, and Big E Mania, it has already been feeling like fall these past few weeks.
I started off my week right here at Westfield Vocational and Technical High School with the taping of my cable-access show, Beacon Hill to the 413. This month’s guest was Dr. Edna Rodriguez, the Director of Behavioral Health for Trinity Health of New England. It was gracious of her to spend her time with us and we had an excellent discussion about mental healthcare here in the Commonwealth and how providers and legislators can work together for the remainder of this session to best benefit our communities. Be sure to tune in next month!
This week was packed with committee hearings as well. Tuesday, I had hearings with the Joint Committee on Revenue and the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. Wednesday, I had another hearing with the Joint Committee on Housing. We heard many bills concerning these topics; notably one that I introduced that would improve property tax exemptions for our veterans with service-connected disabilities. These hearings are very important steps in the legislative process as legislators, industry experts, and constituents can weigh in on the language and effects of the bill.
This Thursday, like every second Thursday of the Big E, was the Salute to Westfield Day. I was proud to march alongside so many groups from my hometown in this annual parade and I’m already looking forward to the 2024 Fair Season.
This Friday was Constitution Day as well and I was asked by the staff at Roberta Doering Middle School to come and speak on the significance of our nation’s founding document to their students. As a lawyer, a veteran, and a legislator, I can see from many vantage points how essential the rule of law and belief in our government’s institutions truly are. Our constitution is the cornerstone around which the entirety of our society is built, and I hope that as our students grow and learn about the world around them, they can appreciate what a momentous and unifying document it really is.
I’m also excited to announce that after some procedural delays, the construction on the Route 10 and US 202 bridge over the Little River in Westfield will resume within the coming weeks with the initial concrete pour for the structure. With any luck, construction will be finished and the truck detours can be rerouted to their original routes.
This week my team hosted office hours at the Westfield COA on Monday, the Russell COA on Tuesday, and the Southampton COA on Wednesday. Next week, we will be at the Agawam COA on Monday from 11:00am to 12:00pm. 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