Hello Everyone,
I hope you all were able to enjoy the weekend following the Fourth of July last week.
As we get closer to the end of July, we also approach the end of the 193rd legislative session. As this deadline approaches, the Senate has been busy putting the final touches on legislation and voting on a number of remaining bills. This week, my colleagues and I were busy debating a robust Economic Development package to bolster our Commonwealth’s competitivity and economic opportunities. Included within this bill was consumer protection legislation that I filed earlier this session to make the ticket purchasing experience more transparent for those who are hoping to attend a live entertainment show, musical concert, or sports game. In addition to this legislation, several local amendments to authorize bond funding for important projects in our district were adopted during debate and passed by the Senate.
Aside from my time at the State House this week, my team and I still managed to attend plenty of events here in Western Mass. Yesterday morning, I was able to join Kamp for Kids for their 49th “Welcome Day” celebration right here in Westfield. This wonderful program brings together youth both with and without disabilities in an integrated setting that allows for understanding and appreciation to develop between both groups. This program provides incredible opportunities for youth of all abilities, and I was lucky to have been able to attend this celebration again this year. I hope all of the kids have a great summer at the camp!
This morning, I will be attending the memorial ceremony for the 1946 crash of a B-17 on Mount Tom, one of the deadliest aviation accidents in New England’s history. Twenty-Five service members lost their lives that day and we salute their memory.
This week my team hosted office hours at the Chicopee COA on Tuesday and at the West Springfield COA on Wednesday. Next week, we will be at the Easthampton COA on Tuesday from 10:30am to 11:30am and at the Holyoke COA on Wednesday from 10:00am to 11:00am. 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.
Sincerely,
John Velis