JOHN VELIS
Budget week certainly lived up to expectations. It was a week of fast and furious activity as I worked with colleagues in the House to pass the 2015 budget. As a result, I have a tremendous amount of news for you.
Committee Assignments
First, I’m proud to announce that I’ve been awarded seats on two committees in the state legislature: the Joint Committee on the Judiciary and the Joint Committee on Public Health. The Judiciary Committee is one of the most prominent and prestigious in the state legislature. Both assignments present excellent opportunities for me to leverage areas of strength.
The focus of the Judiciary Committee is to consider all matters concerning crimes, penalties and sentencing, criminal record information, recall of judges, court clerks, and court officers. Some of the recent issues to come before this committee include hearings on criminal procedure, enhanced penalties for heroin traffickers and court administration.
The Committee on Public Health is concerned with all matters of public health including pharmacy practice, health access, tobacco products, women’s health etc. Recently the committee held patient safety and medical records hearings.
My seat on these committees ensures that I’ll have broader impact on issues across the state as well as increase visibility for Westfield.
2015 Budget – No Tax Increases
Second, my colleagues and I passed a $36.3 billion budget at about 12:00 AM on Thursday after 3 solid 12-hour days of vigorous effort. I want to reiterate that this budget contains no tax increases. As I pointed out in my last update, prior to my election there was a vote in the house that resulted in no additional increase to local aid allowed in the budget.
On my campaign journey, I learned what was important to you. Having an independent voice in Boston to represent Westfield’s unique needs regardless of party lines is mission critical. I think you’ll agree that my votes this week demonstrate my commitment to being that independent voice.
In fact, I quickly caught the attention of my colleagues in both parties this week as I “voted off” the party line 8 times to stay in alignment with what’s best for Westfield. “Voting off” is a phrase used in the Massachusetts House to describe a vote that a member makes against the Speaker. In my case, it refers to my votes against the Speaker and other Democratic leaders in the house, with the Republican Party. I voted with my Republican colleagues on reductions in property taxes, increases to local aid, an exemption for municipalities on the gas tax, and on rolling back of several taxes.
I also voted in favor of in-state tuition for veterans at Massachusetts State colleges and universities, regardless of where they are from.
It was an honor to cast those votes knowing that it was what you sent me to Boston to do: be your voice in the House and put Westfield First.
So the challenge for me going into budget week was how to secure additional funds for Westfield when increases in local aid were off the table. This was no small task. I immediately began zealously advocating Westfield’s cause to house leadership and the House Ways and Means committee. I also made effective use of my relationships withWestern Massachusetts representatives and my military colleagues from the house to secure financial resources. As a result of this process, I’m happy to announce that I secured $165,000in the house budget for the city of Westfield. Here’s how the funds will be allocated:
• $100,000 to Noble Hospital to increase ease of access to the front entrance for older adults and the disabled;
• $50,000 grant for new Senior Center furnishings to make it more inviting to a wider range of older adults, activities and increase its use. My goal was also to ease the financial burden for the new facility on the city of Westfield.
• $15,000 to stimulate our local business community.
It’s extremely gratifying to achieve results so quickly to enhance these vital community resources. The next step in the processis for the senate to create their budget later this month.
Back Home
So on Thursday, I returned home, exhausted but very satisfied with the results I achieved in spite of the obstacles. I’m also proud that I didn’t compromise our values of staying above party politics to put Westfield first.I take great pride in our city and hope that you’re as proud as I am of these accomplishments.
I thank my colleague Senator Humason for passing along an invitation to me to take part in the National Prayer Day ceremony on Thursday at Park Square. This moving ceremony, which included a special blessing for political leaders and members of the military, was a humbling and fitting end to the week.
Now, I’m looking forward to a fun and busy weekend. On Friday night, I’ll be attending the Red Cross fund raising dinner,at which volunteers Steve and Sue Oleksak will be honored. I’ll also stop in to the Grand Opening of Papps restaurant at Barnes Airport. Saturday I plan to participate in Westfield on Weekends’ downtown event, the Kentucky Derby Pub Crawl, attend fund raisers for the Westfield High Band and the Westfield Animal Shelter. I hope to see as many of you as possible supporting these local events.
Now that we’ve concluded the budget work, Neesha and I hope to complete the transition to our new office. Our new email addresses are: [email protected] [email protected]. Our phone number at the State House is617-722-2582. You can also reach me directly at 413-627-8722.
As always it is an absolute honor and a privilege to represent your interests in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to serve. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to meor Neesha with your thoughts, suggestions and concerns.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not the staff, editor, or publisher of this publication.
