Hello Everyone,
I think I called it early when I said, “Happy Spring” a couple weeks ago and while we had a great and productive week over in the State Senate, this last snow was a crumby end to it.
STATE SEN. JOHN C. VELIS
As I’m sure many of you are aware, there is currently a bond bill to finance the reconstruction of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home making its way through the legislative process. I met with Board of Trustees of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home to discuss the specifics of the bill and I’m also proud to report that later in the week, the bill was passed by the House. It’s next step is to pass through the Senate before finally going to Governor Baker’s Desk. I have been and will remain a staunch advocate for the Home throughout this entire process.
Speaking of deserving groups and building reconstruction, I also met with the Massachusetts School Board Authority this week to advocate on behalf of new construction projects in Agawam and Holyoke. Both school districts deserve new buildings to properly serve their hardworking staff and students. I hope very much that my letter and testimony to the MSBA will help these projects proceed.
I was also lucky enough to go on a virtual art tour this week and look through the works of two young artists from the Department of Youth services. Despite their circumstances, these kids still pursued their passion and made some great art. I’m very much looking forward to what these kids will do in the future.
On Thursday I met virtually with an advocacy group of constituents out of Granville to discuss climate legislation. Climate Resiliency is going to be one of the most pressing issues as we move into the mid-century and I will always do what’s best for the Commonwealth when it comes to legislation of this nature.
I want to remind everyone that the General Public will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations starting this Monday April 19th. I encourage all those who are eligible to get the vaccine to do so. It’s an important way for us to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Sign ups can be done online at https://vaccinesignup.mass.gov/#/ or over the phone at 2-1-1.
Finally, I’d also like to congratulate the UMass Men’s Hockey team on winning the NCAA Championship last Saturday night. It was a great game and a huge shutout. They may not be in our district but we are still proud nonetheless that Western Mass’s very own Minutemen took home UMass’s first Men’s’ NCAA Championship ever. Go UMass!
I’ve also started sending out both quarterly newsletters and weekly email updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. To sign up for my COVID-19 updates, head to senatorjohnvelis.com/covid-19-updates/ and you can sign up at senatorjohnvelis.com/newsletter/ to receive the newsletter right in your email inbox.
As always, if there is anything I can do to assist you, please never hesitate to reach out to my office. I can be reached at my email: [email protected] or by phone: (413) 572-3920 and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.
John Velis
