Hello Everyone!
I hope you all were able to enjoy the sunshine and great weather this week—it’s starting to truly feel like summer! I was lucky enough to enjoy the beauty of Western Massachusetts while traveling to various community meetings throughout the district.
This week the Senate was busy voting on innovative ways to hold the upcoming elections. I believe one of the most important rights we have as Americans is exercising the right to vote. COVID-19 has presented unique challenges to the usual way we hold our elections, which we experienced firsthand during our special election in May. On Tuesday I voted on Senate bill 2755, which expands vote-by mail options in both the September primaries and November general election to ensure voters can safely vote. The bill expands voting options for residents and would allow voters to vote: (1) during an expanded early voting period; (2) in person on election day; or (3) by mail. While preparing for debate, I was grateful to receive input from our town clerks, whose tireless work is essential to our community. This bill and the House bill, passed in early June, are now going to have their differences worked out before we take a final vote and send it off the Governor’s desk. I’ll be sure to keep you all updated on this very important piece of legislation.
I also had the pleasure of meeting with constituents and town officials across the district.
I attended annual town meetings in Southwick and Granville, where I learned more about their upcoming fiscal year budgets. In addition to witnessing direct democracy at work, this was a great opportunity to speak with constituents and learn firsthand what I can do—as State Senator—to positively impact their lives. In addition to these town meetings, I continued my listening tour of the district by meeting with Mayor Sapelli of Agawam and the Granville Select board.
Earlier this week, I met with the Massachusetts Broadband Institute to learn more about their plan to bring broadband to the town of Tolland. Tolland is the last town in our district to not have affordable access to highspeed internet and COVID-19 has only amplified this critical need. As the Institute implements highspeed internet across town, I will keep an eye on this particular issue to ensure the residents of Tolland receive such critical access.
On Wednesday, I spoke at the Special Joint Military Commencement Ceremony, honoring recent graduates entering military service. I was grateful for the opportunity to address the ten graduates from Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy that enlisted to serve this country. Given that less than one percent of high school graduates choose to serve immediately after graduation, it is apparent that these young graduates are selfless and courageous and represent the best of the Westfield community. You make us proud! A special thank you to the Westfield Public Schools for organizing this great event!
As always, please never hesitate to reach out to my office if there is anything I can do to assist you! I can be reached at my email:?[email protected] or phone: (413) 572-3920.
Have a great Father’s Day weekend!
