Hello Everyone,
I am not sure if it’s the cool weather we have enjoyed all week or that the first weekend of The Big E is already upon us, but it is starting to seriously feel like fall is here!
On Monday the Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism held its eleventh hearing as we continue to diligently work towards our November 30th recommendations deadline. During this meeting we had the opportunity to hear from Jewish students and faculty about their horrific experiences on college campuses across the state. It is absolutely clear that interventions and stronger enforcement of current rules are seriously needed to ensure Jewish students and faculty can teach, learn, and live without fear at the colleges and universities across our state. I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners on drafting strong recommendations related to higher education.
On Wednesday I was happy to make it over to the Easthampton Public Safety Complex just in time to join the promotional ceremony of Robert Dragon who was promoted to the position of Fire Captain. Following the ceremony, I was proud to share an official citation from the Massachusetts State Senate in recognition of this tremendous milestone. Congratulations Captain Dragon!
Thursday marked the twenty-fourth anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. It was a solemn morning in Westfield as our community came together to remember all those we lost and provide support to the families of Tara Shea Creamer, Brian Murphy, and Daniel Trant. We made a promise as a nation to “Never Forget” and that promise is more important than ever as we pass on the stories of that tragic day to an entire generation who were too young to remember or not yet born. It is our duty to share the heroic actions of both civilians and first responders alike that ran towards danger, and to honor the memories of the many beautiful souls we lost.
I am excited to share that next Thursday September 18th from 10:00am to 1:00pm Team Velis and I will be participating in the Westfield Council on Aging’s Senior Options Fair. During the fair we will have a table put together to share resources and discuss how my office can assist with matters related to state agencies. Hope to see you there!
This week Team Velis hosted office hours in Agawam, Chicopee, and West Springfield. Next week Team Velis will be hosting office hours at the Easthampton Council on Aging on Tuesday from 10:30am to 11:30am and again on Wednesday at the Holyoke Council on Aging from 10:00am to 11:00am. 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