Hello everyone,
I hope you all had a great week! Tomorrow, I will be joining Dave Madsen on Western Mass News for the next edition of Getting Answers. It will absolutely be an engaging conversation covering a wide range of topics about my work here in Western Massachusetts and at the State House that you won’t want to miss!
I recently discovered just how important colonoscopies are, and how they truly save lives! If you are 45 or older like me, or have a family history of colorectal cancer, now is the time to ask your doctor about getting screened. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for both men and women, but it’s also highly preventable. A regular colonoscopy can find pre-cancerous polyps and detect cancer early, making treatment much more effective.
On Tuesday I had the honor of joining the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts for their annual Legislative Convention in Springfield. I was excited to meet with dedicated firefighters from both our district and throughout the state to talk about legislation I’ve been advocating for, which aims to enhance their physical health, overall well-being, and provide access to retirement benefits for our call firefighters.
On Wednesday I was over at the Holyoke YMCA to see the recent renovations made possible by a $75,000 FY’26 earmark that I was proud to secure last summer. The Holyoke YMCA is a vital community resource, providing support and opportunities to residents of all ages, regardless of membership status. From early education programs for preschoolers to athletics and wellness programs for teens, adults, and seniors, the YMCA helps strengthen our community at every stage of life. I’m proud to have helped support their important work and look forward to sharing with you other funding I was able to secure for great organizations across the district.
This week the Senate took up legislation to help enhance our state’s child welfare protections. The children in our states care and foster care are some of the most vulnerable children in our Commonwealth and we must do everything possible to promote their wellbeing. This bill importantly establishes a Foster Child Bill of Rights to ensure children in foster care receive basic rights related to their safety, health care, education, ability to maintain connections to family and friends, and other important supports. Additionally, the bill enhances the work of the Office of the Child Advocate to protect children and investigate cases of abuse and harm.
This week, Team Velis hosted office hours Chicopee and West Side. Next week, we will be hosting office hours at the Easthampton Council on Aging on Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and again on Wednesday at the Holyoke Council on Aging from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. If you are unable to make office hours, please remember that you can reach us by email at john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone at (413) 5723920, or online at senatorjohnvelis.com.
Best,
John Velis