Hello Everyone,
I hope everyone is staying warm this week. This one was certainly one of the colder ones that we have had so far this season. I just want to remind everyone too that should you be in need of utility assistance or think you might qualify, my staff is readily available to assist.
On Monday, four of my own bills had a hearing before the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security related to improving our Commonwealth’s public safety systems and supporting our law enforcement officers. This is the just the start of the legislative process and I’m looking forward to continuing to advocate for these bills in the new year.
After the hearing, I was honored to join hundreds of Goldstar families for 12th Annual Military Friends Foundation Military tree dedication in the State House as well. The Military Friends Foundation is a wonderful nation-wide organization that does incredible work supporting those who have lost a loved one who served in the military. It was a truly special event of recognition and remembrance and a big thanks to this group for organizing as well as inviting me.
On Tuesday, I joined the Western Mass Police Chiefs Association for their meeting in Holyoke. It was great to hear updates about the different departments in the region and discuss some of the challenges they are facing.
Thursday afternoon, I was delighted to join the Holyoke Community Roots Neighborhood Services for their monthly veterans’ luncheon, this month of course being themed for the holidays. This is such a great organization and a great group of vets. I’m already looking forward to the next one.
A Congratulations is in in order for Fran Liptak for her retirement from the Westfield Light Board! On Thursday afternoon I had the opportunity to present her with an official citation from the State Senate for twenty-seven years of distinguished public service. Thank you, Fran! You will be missed.
Friday afternoon, I was asked to speak with some of my fellow (if a bit younger) Bombers from the Westfield High Current Events Class. I cannot stress enough the importance of civic engagement, especially in our youth, and it was great to chat with this group of hardworking students and future leaders.
This week, my team hosted office hours at the Chicopee COA on Tuesday and the West Side COA on Wednesday. Next week, we will be at the Easthampton COA on Tuesday from 10:30 to 11:30. 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.
Happy Holidays,
John Velis