Sen. Steve Rhoads

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 summarySenate Resolution J 401 formally congratulates Felicia Garramone, a junior at General Douglas MacArthur High School in Levittown, for winning first place in the International Piano Competition "Andret Stoyanov" in Sofia, Bulgaria. The resolution, adopted by the Senate on February 25, 2025, includes a copy of the resolution to be sent to her as a symbolic gesture recognizing her musical achievement. It highlights her accomplishments, including winning a competition that granted her a Carnegie Hall performance and earning perfect scores in NYSSMA evaluations. This is a commemorative resolution with no policy or legal effect, solely serving to honor her personal achievement.

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 summaryThis is a memorial resolution (Senate Resolution J 355), not a policy bill. It formally honors Norma Lucia Gonsalves, a retired educator and longtime Nassau County Legislator from East Meadow, who died at age 90 in February 2025. The resolution asks the New York State Senate to pause its proceedings to mourn her death and directs that a copy be sent to her family. It does not create any new laws or affect any policies, as it is a standard tribute for a deceased community leader.

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 Senate Resolution (J 406) honors 3rd Assistant Fire Chief Jeffrey Rosenthal for using the Heimlich maneuver to save a choking firefighter at East Meadow Fire Department Station No. 3 on November 25, 2024. It recognizes his quick action - prompted by his training as a Registered Nurse and former Emergency Medical Technician - to clear the blocked airway, preventing potential serious injury or death. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy or legal effect and serves only to publicly acknowledge Rosenthal's actions. The resolution was adopted by the legislature on February 25, 2025, and includes a copy to be presented to Rosenthal.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 407 formally honors Fire Chief James Walsh and 3rd Assistant Fire Chief Jeffrey Rosenthal for their actions during a house fire in East Meadow, New York, on October 28, 2024. The resolution recognizes their immediate rescue of a 96-year-old woman trapped in the burning building, despite hazardous conditions and incomplete protective gear. It does not create new policy or affect any laws, but instead serves as a ceremonial tribute to their bravery. The resolution was adopted by the legislature on February 25, 2025, and includes a copy to be presented to the firefighters.