Happy Memorial Day Weekend Everyone,
For many, Memorial Day weekend marks a kickoff to summer however, while I hope everyone is able to enjoy this long weekend with loved ones and friends, I hope you take a moment to not only reflect on the sacrifices of those in the armed forces but also to celebrate the free and prosperous country that they helped defend. Remember to be safe this weekend as well.
Despite the long weekend ahead of us, it was quite busy on Beacon Hill all week long as the Senate debated the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. I am excited to share that I was able to secure local funding that will benefit our youth, seniors, veterans, public safety, and municipalities! As a Western Massachusetts Senator, I was proud to support many amendments and the Senate’s overall budget that were grounded in regional equity. It is critical that everything we do at the State House not only benefits the residents of the Commonwealth living in the Boston area but our state as a whole, including all of us right here in Western Massachusetts.
Tuesday morning, I was honored to have spoken at the special presentation of the Medals of Fidelity and Liberty to military families during the State House’s observance of Memorial Day. Here in Massachusetts, we not only recognize and remember those who died in service to our nation on the battlefield, but we also recognize all those who later died from the invisible wounds of war like PTSD or exposure to toxins such as Agent Orange or Burn Pit Toxins.
Despite all the activity out in Boston surrounding the budget, my team and I were able to still attend several events throughout the district. Thursday evening, my team presented official State Senate citations for the Grand Opening of La Gran Cocina community kitchen in Holyoke and to the West Springfield Boys’ and Girls’ Club Youth of the Year, Ndayishimiye “Raha” Rahabu. Congratulations to you both!
This week my team hosted office hours at the Easthampton COA on Tuesday. Next week we will be hosting office hours at the Russell COA on Tuesday from 11:00am to 12:00pm. Because of the Monday holiday, we have a double feature of office hours on Wednesday. We will be at the Southampton COA from 9:30am to 10:30am and at the Westfield COA from 12:30pm to 1:30pm. If you can’t make office hours, I can always be reached by email, john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone, (413) 572-3920, and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.
Sincerely,
John Velis