As the holiday season fills our homes with warmth, joy, and family, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for the trust you’ve placed in me to serve as your State Senator. The Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester District is more than just a collection of communities — it’s my home, and I’m deeply honored to represent it in the Massachusetts Legislature.
This year, we’ve made meaningful progress in education, healthcare, economic development, and beyond. None of this would have been possible without your voices guiding me.
Together, we recommitted to MassReconnect, which made community college free for students and made School Meals for All a permanent program to address food insecurity. Additionally, we secured over $2 million in state aid for regional public libraries.
Economic development took center stage with the signing of the Mass Leads Act, positioning Western Massachusetts as a global leader in industries like food science and quantum. We also tackled the housing crisis with the Affordable Homes Act, a $5.4 billion investment in homeownership and affordable rental units. We also passed reforms to improve quality and oversight in long-term care facilities — the first in 25 years.
Our commitment to veterans was reaffirmed with the HERO Act, which enhanced benefits and modernized services. After years of advocacy, Ollie’s Law, which ensures oversight of doggie daycare facilities and breeding kennels, was also signed into law.
Locally, targeted investments will address community needs. This includes $125,000 for a Veterans Memorial in East Longmeadow, $50,000 for veterans’ outreach and food pantry services in Ludlow, and $50,000 to train future first responders at Quaboag Regional High School. To empower the next generation, we secured $25,000 for the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts to expand leadership training and workforce development and $50,000 for Girls on the Run of Western Massachusetts to provide social-emotional learning programs for girls.
Baystate Health Wing Hospital in Palmer received $50,000 to enhance mental health services, and the Senior Farm Share Program was awarded $100,000 to provide low-income seniors with fresh, locally grown produce.
In addition, my entire office has tirelessly worked with residents on more than 240 constituent cases this year, helping to bridge the gap and improve communications with agencies to ensure everyone has the resources they need to live healthy and happy lives.
And you were heard. Whether by phone, email, social media, or in person in my office and the district, my office cataloged 1,475 engagements with constituents.
Looking ahead, I am energized by the challenges of my second term. From strengthening our economy and supporting working families to investing in infrastructure and protecting natural resources, there is much to accomplish.
As you gather with loved ones this holiday season, I wish you peace, happiness, and hope for the year to come. Together, let’s make 2025 a year of renewed opportunity, strengthened connections, and continued progress.
State Sen. Jacob Oliveira
Hampden, Hampshire & Worcester District
