Hello Everyone,
I hope everyone stayed safe during the inclement weather conditions this week. Our office is readily available to help with Fuel Assistance applications; Please don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
On Tuesday, I had the honor of chairing a hearing of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs on the HERO Act filed by Governor Healey. This bill aims to expand benefits, modernize services, and promote inclusivity for Massachusetts veterans. The testimony the Committee received provided constructive feedback on what elements of the bill can be improved to further benefit our veterans, service members, and their families.
A major highlight of the week was welcoming Aiden Kane and Christina Ritter, students at Agawam High School, to shadow me while at the State House. Together they had the opportunity to see how a committee hearing operates, tour the State House, and ask questions about my work as a State Senator. I am always grateful for the opportunity to share insights into the legislative process and my commitment to our community with the leaders of tomorrow.
This week I had the honor of celebrating several retirements in our district. Congratulations to Mary Allen and Sherry Petrucci on their retirements from the Massachusetts Association of Public Health Nurses. Both Sherry and Mary founded the Massachusetts Association of Public Health Nurses’ Western Massachusetts Chapter over twenty years ago.
We also bid farewell to Anne Teschner this week, the former Executive Director of The Care Center in Holyoke, who will be starting her retirement. During her retirement celebration on Wednesday evening my office presented a citation to acknowledge Anne’s over twenty years of dedicated service.
I was especially excited for the end of the week as it marked a series of community engagement events throughout our district. I began Friday morning by attending one of my favorite yearly community legislative receptions, the Human Services Forum. It was wonderful to connect with service providers from throughout the Pioneer Valley to discuss topics that are important to them. Later that day I headed over to West Side to attend the Seven Hills Childcare open house and briefing which offered incredibly valuable insights into matters concerning childcare. As a parent, it is never lost on me how important access to quality and reliable childcare is.
This morning, head on over to Hampden Ponds to watch me brave the frigid waters for the annual Polar Plunge to benefit the Amelia Park Children’s Museum in Westfield! I am looking forward to seeing my fellow plunger’s spirited costumes and of course a warm cup of coffee following the plunge.
This week, my team hosted office hours at the Westfield COA on Monday and at the Russell COA on Tuesday. Next week, we will be at the Southampton COA on Wednesday from 9:30am to 10:30am. 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.
Have a great weekend,
John Velis