Rep. John Velis
WESTFIELD – State Representative John Velis (D-Westfield) has been appointed to the Council of State Governments Eastern Regional Conference Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs by the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
The newly formed committee, comprised of state legislators hailing from Quebec to the U.S. Virgin Islands, is tasked with discussing legislative responses to key issues within the veterans’ community. According to the Conference, each of the 18 member states’ House Speaker and Senate President appoint 2 members each, plus an alternate in case a member is unable to attend.
“I’m truly honored to have been chosen to sit on this committee. Massachusetts is a nationwide leader in providing services and benefits to veterans, but we certainly can improve. This committee will be a great way to collaborate with other states to help improve the lives of veterans and active duty members up and down the Eastern Seaboard,” said Representative Velis.
At their upcoming meeting, the members of the committee will be discussing substance abuse and misuse by veterans. Although Velis will be participating in military exercises in South Korea during this year’s annual meeting, he still anticipates being able to learn from the range of experience that will be present on the committee and contribute to the discourse.
“The legislators on this committee are from all over the US and Canada,” continued the Representative.“Like the opioid epidemic, our moral responsibilities as legislators don’t stop at the border. I’ve always said that a veteran is a veteran is a veteran. A vet dealing with addiction in Puerto Rico or Pennsylvania deserves as much attention as one here in Massachusetts.
“With the Commonwealth at the forefront of both veterans’ services and unfortunately, the opioid epidemic, I’m looking forward to sharing our best practices with the members and becoming an international leader on this issue.”
The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for August 14th in Uncasville, Connecticut.
