Hello Everyone,
I hope everyone had a great week! The first full week of May marks Teacher Appreciation Week in the Commonwealth. Each day our teachers are going above and beyond to not only help our students gain the knowledge they need to succeed but are often finding ways to help support our children’s overall well-being. Thank you to all our incredible educators for the work that you do!
I kicked off this week out in Boston as the Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism held it’s seventh meeting. During this meeting we had the opportunity to learn more about how those in law enforcement respond and combat reported antisemitism. We were lucky enough to hear from experts about the Commonwealth’s existing hate crimes statue, safety and security, and the threat of extremism. I want to be clear; we will not hesitate to follow and confront antisemitism wherever it rears its vile and repugnant head regardless of the political ideology of the author of such hatred.
Team Velis and I had a busy week with the Senate releasing its proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget on Tuesday. For the last several days my team and I have been diligently working through the proposed budget and drafting amendments to support local organizations within our district prior to Friday’s deadline.
Of the many different items within the budget, I was absolutely thrilled that the Senate balanced fiscal responsibility without including any proposals that would raise taxes during this particularly challenging time. From the beginning of this legislative session, I have been clear with my colleagues that my guiding north star centers around affordability especially as so many residents struggle financially with rising costs. Additionally, I was proud that the Senate included funding to help ensure the Cutchins Program in Belchertown can continue to provide compassionate care for children with severe emotional or behavioral challenges. I am incredibly grateful to the Chairman and all of my colleagues who help organize this thoughtful and responsible proposed budget.
This week Team Velis hosted office hours in Agawam. Next week Team Velis be hosting office hours on Monday at the Westfield Council on Aging from 12:30PM to 1:30PM, on Tuesday at the Chicopee Council on Aging from 10:00AM to 11:00AM, and again on Wednesday at the West Springfield Council on Aging from 11:00AM to 12:00PM. 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.  
Happy Mother’s Day to all of the incredible Moms and Moms-to-be out there! I hope you all have a wonderful day tomorrow!
Best,   
John Velis