John Velis

John Velis is a Democratic member of the Massachusetts Senate, currently representing the Hampden and Hampshire district. He has been in office since 2020, following a tenure in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 2014 to 2020. Velis has a background in law and military service, and he has been involved in various community initiatives throughout his career.

Early life and career

John Velis was born on January 26, 1979, in Westfield, Massachusetts, to parents Susan and Jim Velis. He is the middle child in a family that includes an older brother, Adam, and a younger sister, Jennifer. His family has a history of public service; his uncle, Peter Velis, served as a judge on the Hampden Superior Court and was also a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1973 to 1979. This familial connection to public service may have influenced Velis's own career path.

Velis completed his secondary education at Westfield High School, graduating in 1998. He then pursued higher education at Roxbury Community College before transferring to the University of South Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science in 2004. He continued his academic journey at Suffolk University Law School, obtaining his Juris Doctor in 2008.

Before entering the legal profession, Velis gained experience in various governmental roles. He held internships in the Hampden County District Attorney's office, the Hampden County Superior Court, and the Massachusetts Treasurer's office. Additionally, he interned at the White House during the administration of President George W. Bush. Following his education, he practiced law alongside his uncle, Peter Velis.

In addition to his legal career, Velis has been active in his local community. He was appointed by Westfield Mayor Daniel Knapik to serve on the Commission for Citizens with Disabilities, where he worked to improve accessibility and support for individuals with disabilities. He also volunteers as a basketball coach for the Greater Westfield Boys & Girls Club, contributing to youth development and community engagement.

Legislative service

John Velis began his political career in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, where he was elected in 2014 to represent the 4th Hampden District. This seat was previously held by Republican Donald Humason Jr., who won a special election to the Massachusetts Senate, creating an opportunity for Velis. He ran unopposed in the Democratic primary and subsequently defeated his Republican opponent, At-large City Councilor Dan Allie, in the general election held on April 1, 2014. This victory marked a significant milestone, as Velis became the first Democrat to represent Westfield in 35 years.

During his initial term, Velis completed the remaining months of Humason's House term and successfully campaigned for a full term in the regular November election, again defeating Allie. He was re-elected in 2016 and 2018 without opposition, demonstrating a solid base of support within his district.

In 2019, Velis announced his candidacy for the Massachusetts Senate seat in the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire district, which had become vacant following Humason's election as Mayor of Westfield. He faced Republican challenger John Cain, a businessman and former Navy officer. The election was initially delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Velis ultimately won the Senate seat on May 19, 2020, receiving 64 percent of the vote. This victory made him the first Democrat in 25 years to represent the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire district. He successfully defeated Cain in a rematch during the subsequent election cycle in 2022.

As a state senator, Velis represents several towns in Hampden and Hampshire counties, including Agawam, Chicopee, Holyoke, Montgomery, Russell, Westfield, and West Springfield in Hampden County, as well as Easthampton and Southampton in Hampshire County.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his legislative career, John Velis has focused on various policy areas, reflecting both his personal values and the needs of his constituents. He describes himself as a fiscally conservative Democrat, a stance that has evolved over time; prior to his political career, he identified as a fiscally conservative Republican.

In terms of fiscal policy, Velis has supported budgets that do not include tax increases, such as the $36.3 billion fiscal year 2015 budget. He has also advocated for veterans' rights, voting in favor of in-state tuition for veterans at Massachusetts state colleges and universities. His commitment to local issues is evident in his efforts to secure funding for community projects, including grants aimed at improving access for older adults and individuals with disabilities.

Velis has also taken positions on labor issues, voting to increase the minimum wage from $8.00 to $11.00 per hour by 2017. He supported the 2018 Car Rental Tax Surcharge, which added a tax to automobile rentals, indicating his willingness to explore various revenue-generating measures.

In the realm of education, Velis has been active in legislative efforts related to high school athletics and charter schools. He cosponsored a bill aimed at scheduling high school athletic contests and voted against a bill that would authorize the expansion of charter schools in certain communities, reflecting his stance on educational policy.

Velis has shown a commitment to disability rights, casting his first vote in favor of legislation designed to assist individuals with autism and other intellectual or developmental disabilities. This legislation aims to enhance educational opportunities and access for affected individuals, demonstrating his dedication to supporting vulnerable populations.

In summary, John Velis's career in the Massachusetts Senate is characterized by a blend of legal expertise, military service, and a commitment to public service. His legislative focus encompasses a range of issues, including fiscal responsibility, education, labor, and disability rights, all of which reflect the interests and needs of his constituents in the Hampden and Hampshire district.