(BOSTON- 2/26/2025) Today Senate President Karen Spilka announced Senate committee leadership assignments for the new 194th legislative session. Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield) was reappointed the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, & Recovery as well as the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans & Federal Affairs.
“I am truly honored to continue to lead these two committees again and build upon all that we accomplished last session,” exclaimed Velis. “Any time you are able to get a bill signed into law is a special thing, and I am proud that both these committees sent comprehensive legislation to the Governor’s desk last session that improve the lives of our Commonwealth’s Veterans and expands programs for those struggling with addiction. There is still plenty more to accomplish in these spaces and I am ready to get to work and build-upon last session’s momentum.”
As Chair of these two committees in the 2023-2024 legislative session Senator Velis led the efforts to usher An Act relative to treatments and coverage for substance use disorder and recovery coach licensure and An Act Honoring, Empowering and Recognizing Our Service Members and Veterans into law. This session Velis hopes to work on legislation to tackle the youth mental health crisis as well as continue his efforts to expand support in the Commonwealth for military families, a key criteria considered by the Department of Defense for state investment.
In addition to his appointments as Chair of these two committees, Senator Velis will be continuing to serve as Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Aging and Independence (formerly the Elder Affairs Committee). Velis will also be serving as a member of four other committees including: the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security, the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures, and State Assets, and the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.