Dear Friends,

As 2024 comes to the close I am excited to share with you all my annual “Senate Wrapped”, a year end reflection of all that we have accomplished. Join me in looking back on all the many memorable moments across Western Massachusetts and over at the State House this past year.

My number one priority has always been and always will be responding to the needs of my constituents. My office and I always prioritize supporting those in our community who may need assistance in getting connected with local resources and navigating state government.

Learn more about how my office can be of assistance!

The second year of the legislative session stirs up quite a lot of activity over at the State House. From reporting out bills early in the year, securing funds for our district in the spring, and passing bills on the Senate floor to send to the Governor's desk this summer, I am proud of all that we were able to accomplish to make Massachusetts a better place for people to call home.

This session I am proud to share that parts of 13 different bills that I authored were signed into law that will help make Massachusetts a more affordable place to live, expand benefits for our Veterans and Active Duty Military, strengthen consumer protections, and pave the way for economic development here in Western Massachusetts.

In addition to securing over $500,000 in earmark funding for programs across our district this year, I am proud to share that I was able to play a part in the largest budget investment in the history of the Holyoke Veterans’ Home this fiscal year- allocating over $34 million in state funding to support the Home’s mission of providing care with honor and dignity to their selfless residents.dents.

One of my absolute favorite parts of being your State Senator is the opportunity to connect with you all at various community events and during one-on-one meetings.

This year there were so many memorable events that I will forever cherish including marching in the Hampton Ponds annual 4th of July Parade with Carson, watching the final beam be placed on the new Holyoke Veterans Home, and of course shooting hoops with local youth.

I am also incredibly honored to have received several awards and recognitions from both local and statewide organizations this year including the "Legislator of the Year" award from the Providers Council, Hope for Holyoke's "Lifetime Achievement" award, and being inducted in the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield's "Wall of Fame".

This year I had the opportunity to continue to serve as the Senate Chair to the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery as well as the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. Together these committees reviewed hundreds of proposed bills and carefully crafted critical legislation reviewed by our colleagues in the House and Senate.

Earlier this fall I was also appointed by the Senate President to co-chair Massachusetts’ first statutory commission on combating antisemitism. I am beyond grateful to the Senate President for entrusting me to lead this commission during a time when our Jewish friends and neighbors are enduring such disturbing acts of hate in our Commonwealth. Simply put: There is no room for hate of any kind in Massachusetts. Over the next year, the Special Commission will be making its way across the state to meet with those with subject knowledge expertise and to hear from community members on how we can reverse alarming trends.

It’s an absolute honor to represent the Hampden and Hampshire District; words truly cannot describe how much I appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve as your State Senator in the new year during the 194th Legislative Session.

I look forward to finishing the year out strong and all that is to come in 2025!

Happy Holidays and a joyful New Year!

John Velis