Hello everyone,
I hope you all had a great week and were able to stay cool despite the high temperatures. If you or a loved one need any assistance locating a nearby cooling shelter this summer, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office for assistance.
This week was quite a busy one out in Boston. To start off the week I had the privilege of Chairing the first public meeting of the Special Legislative Commission on Xylazine. The Commission, which is tasked with studying and making recommendations on ways to address the public health and safety concerns posed by the proliferation of xylazine as an additive to illicit drugs, was established in the omnibus substance use disorder bill that was signed into law last session. This Commission has an important task in front of us, as we continue to see the presence of xylazine grow in our Commonwealth’s drug supply. Last year, xylazine was found in a record-high 34% of lab-tested samples tested statewide. And in 2023, xylazine was found in 9% of opioid-related overdose deaths. I look forward to the work ahead to help prevent overdose deaths and the lifelong health consequences posed by xylazine.
On Tuesday I made my way back out to Boston to participate in the first hearing of the session for the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. I am incredibly proud to have been reappointed as Chair of this committee again this session. Over the past two sessions this committee has worked tirelessly to pass an astounding amount of legislation to improve the lives of our veterans, service-members, and their families.
This week the Legislature held its annual celebration alongside the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women to recognize the unsung heroes across out state that are making a tremendous impact in our communities. This year I nominated Nora Schmidt of Southampton. Each and every single day Nora Schmidt is making our Commonwealth a better place to live through the kindness and compassion she spreads through her nonprofit organization, Magic for Maddie, in memory of her daughter. Nora has turned this unimaginable loss into a mission that focuses on making an immense and lasting impact on our Western Massachusetts community. Whether it be through her unwavering support of other families facing a pediatric cancer diagnoses or the example that she sets for each of us through her bravery and compassion in even the most difficult situations. Nora Schimdt is an inspiration for all young girls and women throughout the Commonwealth.
This week Team Velis hosted office hours in Westfield, Russell, and Southampton. Unfortunately, with the way the calendar fell for next week there will not be any formal office hours however, if you are in need of assistance please do not hesitate to reach out by email, john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone, (413) 572-3920, or to drop into my district office.
Best,
John Velis