Hello Everyone,
My wish for an early spring and warm weather ahead of Groundhog Day last week regrettably tested our luck and seems to have instead brought a whole lot of cold winter weather this week.
I kicked off the week over at Holyoke Community College on Monday for their annual legislative breakfast. Each and every day HCC is working tirelessly to not only support every student that steps on campus but also to meet the needs of our region. I was thrilled so many of my colleagues from the Western Massachusetts delegation were able to learn more about all the opportunities HCC provides to their constituents and for their eagerness to collaborate on ways to assist HCC in enhancing their incredible impact on our communities.
On Tuesday morning I had the opportunity to connect and update members of the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce’s Business Community Affairs Committee about my work up on Beacon Hill. During this conversation I was proud to highlight several pieces of legislation that were signed into law last year that are going to have a positive impact on Westfield and the business community across the Commonwealth.
Speaking of legislation signed into law last year, last week marked the first time in over 17 years our Gold Star Families and Disabled Veterans began receiving an increase in their annuity benefits. Throughout my time in the Senate I have been filing bills and advocating for this long overdue increase. I was proud to help ensure these increased benefits were in the final version of the HERO Act signed into law last August. If you or a loved one have any questions about whether you may be eligible for this annuity, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office for assistance in contacting your local Veteran Service Officer or the Executive Office of Veteran Services.
Yesterday morning I joined Westfield State University as they too highlighted the academic programs that they offer and provided a tour of campus to the local delegation. It was great to hear from student leaders on campus and learn more about the campus improvements the University is hoping to make over the next few years.
This week Team Velis hosted office hours in Agawam. Next week we will be hosting office hours at the Chicopee Council on Aging from 10:00am to 11:00am on Tuesday and at the West Springfield Council on Aging from 11:00am to 12:00pm on Wednesday. If you are unable to 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. 
Best, 
John Velis