Happy New Year!
I hope you all are having a great start to 2025!
Before heading into the new year, I was happy to be able to join a few final community gatherings. Last weekend, I was thrilled to present a citation from the Senate to Lincoln VanHeynigen at his Eagle Scout ceremony to celebrate his commitment to our community and all his hard work to achieve this rank. Congratulations Lincoln! On Sunday evening I joined community members here in Westfield to watch our community menorah be lit at the Elm Street Plaza in celebration of the fifth night of Hanukkah.
On Monday legislation I filed last session to establish new protections for animals throughout the Commonwealth was sent to the Governor before the end of the 193rd legislative session. This bill would prevent the early separation of puppies and kittens under 8 weeks, and the unregulated roadside sale of dogs and cats. Both of these practices often lead to serious health or behavioral problems for the animal and no recourse for the new owner. I am glad that this bill is one step closer to becoming law and hope to see is signed soon.
To ring in the new year, my family and I were out at the State House on Wednesday for a special swearing in ceremony to begin my third full term in the Massachusetts State Senate. I could not be more excited to continue to work on behalf of the Hampden and Hampshire District. I am truly so grateful to have the opportunity to serve and represent our communities each day; and I look forward to all that we will accomplish in this new year and throughout the 194th legislative session!
On Thursday I joined the Westfield Fire Department to bid farewell to Deputy Chief Andrew Hart. Over the past 35 years Deputy Chief Hart has advanced from the reserves to Deputy Chief and has even represented our area of Western Massachusetts on the state’s Hazardous Materials Response Team since 1996. To recognize his selfless service to the City of Westfield I was proud to be able to share a citation with Andrew from the Senate. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement my friend!
I am thrilled to be able to resume my weekly office hours now that the holidays have passed. Next week Team Velis and I will be hosting office hours at the Agawam Council on Aging on Monday January 6th from 11:00AM to 12:00PM as well as the West Springfield Council on Aging on Wednesday January 8th from 11:00AM to 12:00PM. 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.
Best,
John Velis