Sen. Catherine Blakespear

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 20 designates May as California Human Milk Donation Month to recognize the vital role of donor breast milk in supporting vulnerable infants, particularly premature and low-birth-weight babies in neonatal care. The resolution honors donors, milk banks like Mothers’ Milk Bank California, and healthcare providers who facilitate safe, pasteurized milk distribution, while encouraging public awareness and participation in human milk donation efforts.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 31 designates March 25, 2025, as Women’s Equal Pay Day in California. The resolution highlights the persistent gender pay gap, citing that women earn 83 cents for every dollar earned by men (with wider gaps for women of color), and aims to raise awareness about pay equity without implementing new laws or policies. It serves as a symbolic recognition of ongoing disparities, referencing statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau and Department of Labor. The resolution does not create binding requirements or alter existing legislation.

This measure would proclaim April 2025 as Women in Law Month to honor the contributions of women to the legal profession and to promote continued efforts toward gender equality in the field of law and would encourage law firms, legal organizations, and educational institutions throughout California to commemorate Women in Law Month, as provided.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally recognizes the Armenian Genocide as a historical event that occurred between 1915 and 1923, during which over 1.5 million Armenians were systematically killed or forced to convert to Islam. The resolution documents the atrocities committed by the Ottoman Empire and later the Republic of Turkey, including massacres, forced displacement, and the confiscation of Armenian property and churches. It highlights the denial of these crimes by the modern Turkish government and acknowledges the humanitarian aid provided by the Near East Relief organization to Armenian refugees. As a Senate Resolution, this measure serves as a formal statement of recognition and remembrance rather than creating new laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryCalifornia's Senate Concurrent Resolution 20 designates February 2025 as Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) Awareness Month. This symbolic resolution raises public and medical awareness about PPCM, a rare heart condition affecting pregnant or postpartum people that can cause fatigue, swelling, and heart failure if undiagnosed. It does not create new laws or policies, but aims to highlight symptoms (like sudden shortness of breath or rapid weight gain) and risk factors (such as advanced maternal age or pregnancy complications). The resolution was unanimously adopted by the California Legislature in March 2025 and filed with the Secretary of State. It directly affects the public and healthcare providers by promoting education about a condition that contributes to pregnancy-related deaths.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 26 symbolically recognizes March 2025 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in California. It commends state agencies (like the Office of Problem Gambling) and organizations (including the California Council on Problem Gambling and UCLA) for their efforts in raising public awareness about gambling disorder. The resolution does not create new programs, allocate funding, or change existing laws - it solely serves as a formal acknowledgment of ongoing awareness work.

This measure would designate February 28, 2025, as Rare Disease Day and, with respect to rare diseases and disorders, would recognize the importance of improving awareness, encouraging accurate and early diagnosis, and supporting national and global efforts to develop effective treatments, diagnostics, and cures.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 19) designates March 8, 2025, as International Women’s Day in California. It is a symbolic resolution with no new legal requirements or funding, solely commemorating the day through official recognition. The resolution includes historical context about International Women’s Day’s origins but does not affect any specific individuals or policies. It was unanimously adopted by the California Senate on March 6, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 15 designates February 2025 as "2-1-1 Month" and February 11, 2025 as "2-1-1 Day" to recognize and promote California's 2-1-1 information and referral service. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally encourages public awareness of the free, confidential service that connects residents to community, health, housing, disaster, and other support resources. It acknowledges 2-1-1's role in handling over 2 million annual referrals and supporting emergency response, but the resolution itself has no binding effect on service operations or funding. The measure was unanimously adopted by the Senate on February 27, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 17 designates February 2025 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month in California. It encourages schools, communities, families, and youth to hold programs that raise awareness about teen dating violence and teach skills for healthy relationships. The resolution references CDC data showing one in three adolescents experiences dating abuse but does not create new laws or funding. It is a symbolic, non-binding resolution to promote awareness and community action.