Hello Everyone,
I hope you all are staying warm despite the frigid temperatures outside! I would like to remind you all that my office remains available to assist constituents with accessing heating assistance resources and locating local warming centers if you or a loved one are in need.
On Monday I hit the ice over at the MassMutual Center before the Thunderbirds Game to play some sled hockey! This event was not only an incredible fundraiser to support the sled hockey program but was also a way to educate our community about the sport and the importance of adaptive programs. There was no shortage of laughs as I gained my bearings on the ice, and I appreciate my friends on the Junior and Rec. teams for their help! Make sure to catch the next set of sled-hockey games at Amelia Park the weekend of April 4th!
Despite only being a few weeks into the session, Wednesday marked another important legislative deadline. On the fourth Wednesday in January the Governor is required by the Commonwealth’s Constitution to submit their proposed budget for the review of the legislature. In many ways the Governor’s budget is a first draft as both the House and Senate will each have an opportunity over the next few months to provide our input before sending a finalized version to the Governor’s desk later this year. I look forward to reviewing the Governor’s proposal and working with my Western Massachusetts colleagues to ensure equitable investment in our region next fiscal year.
On Thursday I was out in Boston to Co-Chair the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism’s third hearing. During this hearing we continued our review of antisemitism in the K-12 space, best practices for school response, and the psychological impact these incidents have on our youth. The impact of these incidents on our youth was what original spurred the creation of this commission after I began hearing from constituents about their very young children who were afraid to admit that they were Jewish at school. It is absolutely heartbreaking which is why the Commission is dedicated in putting forward strong recommendations later this year to ensure all our community members feel safe and supported.
This week Team Velis hosted office hours in Easthampton. Next week we will be hosting office hours on Monday January 27th at the Westfield Council on Aging from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, on Tuesday January 28th at the Russell Council on Aging from 11:30am to 12:30pm, and on Wednesday January 29th at the Southampton Council on Aging from 9:30am to 10:30am. 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