Hello everyone,
I hope you all had a great week!
Team Velis started off last week at the State House celebrating a remarkable student from Westfield High School, Ethan David, who was awarded the Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated resilience, determination, and academic promise, and it was a privilege to share a Senate citation in recognition of this achievement with Ethan. Congratulations!
On Tuesday afternoon, Bridget proudly represented my office during Westfield Intermediate School’s Career Day where she had the opportunity to meet with students and discuss careers in public service. Alongside local firefighters and other community professionals, Bridget shared the importance of civic engagement with students. My office and I always enjoy connecting with the next generation of leaders and encouraging our youth to become active participants in our communities! Later that evening, I joined folks in Agawam to celebrate EB’s restaurant’s 40th anniversary. Congratulations to the Borgatti family on their longstanding legacy and thank you for your dedication to serving our community for the past four decades!
Wednesday morning, I was honored to speak at the dedication ceremony of the Veterans Memorial Garden in Springfield’s Forest Park. This meaningful project created by Vietnam Veteran, Al Varelas, stands as a tribute to all members of our Armed Forces.
That same afternoon, Team Velis attended the first annual Commonwealth Pride Awards at the State House. Hosted by the Massachusetts LGBTQ+ Legislative Caucus, the ceremony honored LGBTQ+ individuals from across our Commonwealth. I was proud to nominate Jeff Anderson-Burgos from our district for his outstanding work organizing events throughout Holyoke to celebrate Pride month.
On Thursday, the Senate debated legislation that aims to make health care more affordable and accessible for residents across the Commonwealth. This included initiatives to grow our primary care workforce and cutting down administrative burdens so that our doctors and nurses can focus on caring for residents. Additionally, the Senate sent legislation off to the Governor’s desk this week which would establish a statewide “blue envelope” program to make traffic stops safer for both individuals with autism and law enforcement officers. As a friend to many incredible law enforcement officers and individuals with autism, I was proud to support this commonsense initiative that promotes understanding and communication.
This week, Team Velis hosted office hours in Easthampton and Holyoke. Next week, we will be hosting office hours at the Westfield Council on Aging on Monday from 12:30p.m. to 1:30 p.m., and again at the Southampton Council on Aging on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 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)- 572-3920, or online at senatorjohnvelis.com.
Best,
John Velis