Hello Everyone,
We hope you all had a great week despite the disappointing news on Groundhog’s Day predicting 6 more weeks of all this cold winter weather. However, on the bright side, we’ve finally moved past some of the darkest days of the year, and we can all enjoy an extra little bit of sunlight after the workday!
Team Velis kicked off the week with some very exciting news out of Easthampton. This past Sunday, Easthampton High School’s We The People class competed out in Boston where they took home the State Championship title yet again! All of us are thrilled to see this class continue to succeed each year at the state and national levels, none of which would be possible without the dedication of their incredible civics teachers and mentors!
On Monday, Mark joined the Massachusetts Manufacturing Caucus for a tour and discussion at Johnson & Johnson; a leader in manufacturing, training, and education right here in Massachusetts! Manufacturing is critically important to the Commonwealth’s economy and future. Visits like this showcase the innovation and collaboration driving growth across our state, including right here in Western Mass. An added bonus was that Mark’s sister coincidentally shared a presentation with the caucus on behalf of Johnson & Johnson!
Up on Beacon Hill, Caitlyn was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet with constituents from Easthampton and West Springfield that were visiting the State House this week to advocate for issues most important to them. This included great discussions about ways that we can improve roadway safety across the state and help families of high school students better navigate the financial aid application process. While our Boston Office always loves having the opportunity to chat with constituents when they are at the State House, we are always happy to meet with constituents right here in the district as we always want to remain accessible!
Friday was a busy day in the district filled with legislative gatherings to discuss budget and general policy priorities with our incredible community partners. Bridget and Mark were grateful for the opportunity to connect with both local shelter providers at the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness gathering as well as the DDS Holyoke & Chicopee Citizen Advisory Board meeting.
We are so excited to share that this week the Massachusetts Cultural Council awarded $15,000 grants to support the cultural district in Easthampton, Holyoke, and Westfield! These investments will strengthen local arts and culture, empower artists, and drive economic growth across our communities.
This week Team Velis held office hours in Agawam. Next week we will be hosting office hours at the Chicopee Council on Aging on Tuesday from 10:00am to 11:00am and again on Wednesday at the West Side Council on Aging from 11:00am to 12:00pm. If you are unable to make office hours, you can reach us by email, john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone, (413) 572-3920, and online at senatorjohnvelis.com.
Go Pats!
Team Velis