Latest news with #JohnC.Velis
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Senate adopts Senator Velis' amendment to fund mental health training for hate crime victims
BOSTON (WWLP) – The Massachusetts Senate on Tuesday adopted an amendment filed by Senator John C. Velis that would allocate funding for the development of specialized mental health training to support victims of hate and bias. The amendment, part of the Senate's Fiscal Year 2026 Budget deliberations, directs the Department of Public Health to establish a competitive grant program for training clinicians and counselors in trauma-informed care tailored to individuals impacted by specific forms of hate. Audit shows migrant crisis mismanagement Velis, who co-chairs the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism, emphasized the need for culturally competent support systems during remarks on the Senate floor. 'It has become evident in talking with victims of hate who have come forward to the Commission, including children, that there is a real gap when it comes to providers who are trained to understand, address, and treat these unique forms of trauma,' Senator Velis said. 'Hate manifests in different ways for different groups, and it is essential that clinicians have access to training that is culturally sensitive and considers the historical prejudice the group has faced.' The measure calls for the training to be tailored to address various forms of hate rather than using a uniform approach, reflecting the differing impacts and cultural contexts of hate-based trauma. Velis' amendment comes amid a documented increase in hate crimes across Massachusetts. The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security reported 557 hate crime incidents in 2023, a 26% increase from 2022 and a sharp rise from 351 incidents recorded in 2018. The report noted particularly alarming spikes in incidents targeting Jewish, LGBTQ, and Arabic communities. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Special Commission on anti-Semitism to meet Tuesday
LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) – The Commonwealth's Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism will be holding a meeting in Longmeadow on Tuesday. The Commission is holding several meetings across the state to discuss the concerns of Jewish communities regarding anti-Semitism, laws, legislation and protections, and educational programs. Antisemitic hate crimes reach eight-year high across Massachusetts According to a news release sent to 22News from Senator Velis' office, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security's annual report found that 119 incidents of anti-Jewish hate crimes were reported in 2023 in Massachusetts, which is a 70% spike from the previous year and an eight year high. The meeting is being held both in-person and virtually, on March 11, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Springfield Jewish Community Center in Longmeadow. The agenda and link to the live stream can be found on the legislature's website. Senator John C. Velis and Representative Simon J. Cataldo, co-chairs of the Commission, will be joined by Rabbi Jordie Gordon, Hevreh of Southern Berkshire, Molly Parr, 1st Vice President of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts, Rabbi Amy Wallk, Temple Beth El, Rabbi Ariella Rosen, Congregation B'nai Israel, Dr. Nicole Collins, Faculty at John F. Kennedy Middle School (Springfield), Dr. Russell Johnston, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and Holocaust Survivor Henia (Henny) Lewin, former Professor at University of Vermont. The Commission was created by the Massachusetts Legislature and includes members appointed by the Legislature, Governor, state agencies, and organizations. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
