Sen. Pete Harckham

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative Senate resolution (J 423) adopted by the Senate on March 4, 2025, to honor the life and legacy of John O. Peck, a small business owner and community member from Vista, New York. The resolution formally expresses the legislature's condolences to his family following his death on February 14, 2025, at age 73. It details his personal life, career founding J.O. Peck Heating & Cooling, and his roles as a husband, father, grandfather, and community contributor. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legislative effect beyond this symbolic tribute.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 433 commemorates the 38th Annual SOMOS Spring Conference (March 7-9, 2025) and pays tribute to SOMOS, Inc. for its advocacy on behalf of Puerto Rican and Latino communities in New York State. The resolution formally recognizes the organization's work in supporting Hispanic youth through scholarships, internships, and leadership programs like the Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute. It does not create new policies or affect any legislation, but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of SOMOS, Inc.'s community contributions. The resolution was adopted by the legislature on March 4, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution requests Governor Hochul to proclaim May 2025 as Lupus Awareness Month in New York. It recognizes the impact of lupus on approximately 105,400 New Yorkers and seeks to increase public awareness of this chronic autoimmune disease, which disproportionately affects women and certain ethnic groups. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally urges the Governor to support awareness efforts. It was adopted by the legislature on February 25, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 346 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Dr. Pablo Ulloa for his advocacy on behalf of Dominican Americans in New York. It recognizes his work as the Ombudsman of the Dominican Republic, his professional background with international organizations like the Inter-American Development Bank, and his efforts supporting the Dominican diaspora community. The resolution, adopted by the Senate, formally acknowledges his contributions to advancing equity, healthcare access, and social services for underserved populations. A copy of the resolution will be sent to Dr. Ulloa as a gesture of recognition.

Maddy summaryThis resolution memorializes Governor Hochul to officially proclaim March 3-7, 2025, as School Breakfast Week in New York State. It does not create new laws or change funding but formally recognizes the importance of school breakfast programs through a ceremonial observance. The resolution highlights existing state efforts like the Breakfast After the Bell program and Community Eligibility Provision, which help provide free breakfasts to over 876,000 students annually. It serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about school nutrition, not a policy change.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 380 asks Governor Hochul to declare February 15-22, 2025, as FFA Week in New York. It is a symbolic resolution honoring the National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America), which supports agricultural education and student leadership development. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally requests the Governor issue a proclamation to recognize FFA's role in promoting agricultural literacy and career readiness for students. This resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 25, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends existing requirements for large food generators to participate in food donation and recycling programs. It sets tiered annual waste thresholds: businesses generating 2+ tons/week of food scraps (2023-2026), 1+ ton/week (2027-2028), or 0.5+ ton/week (2029 onward) must manage food scraps recycling. The law specifically affects supermarkets, large food service businesses, colleges, hotels, food processors, and venues like sports stadiums. It clarifies that entities managing waste for multi-tenant locations (e.g., malls) are responsible for coordinating recycling from all businesses within those sites. The extension takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 370 commends the Adirondack Council for its 50th anniversary in 2025, recognizing its work since 1975 as New York State's largest citizen environmental group dedicated to protecting the Adirondack Park's ecological integrity. The resolution honors the Council's mission to preserve the park's wilderness, clean water, forests, and communities through advocacy, research, and public education. As a ceremonial resolution with no binding legal effect, it does not create new policies, funding, or obligations. The resolution was referred to the Senate Finance Committee on February 13, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 316 honors Mary E. Rainey, a Peekskill community leader who died on January 3, 2025, for her 40-year career at the Westchester Community Action Program, including her work with youth through the Youth Employment Program. The resolution recognizes her dedication to community welfare, civic service, and leadership at the Kiley Center. It directs that a copy be transmitted to her family as a formal tribute. This is a commemorative resolution with no policy impact or affected parties beyond honoring her legacy.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (J 312) is a ceremonial request for Governor Kathy Hochul to officially designate February 2025 as Black History Month in New York State. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups; instead, it asks the Governor to issue a formal proclamation recognizing the month. The resolution cites historical milestones of African American contributions to U.S. history, culture, and civil rights as context for the observance. It was adopted by the legislature on February 5, 2025, but remains a symbolic gesture without binding policy changes.