Sen. Joe Griffo

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1489) is a symbolic gesture to commemorate the 182nd anniversary of the Dominican Republic's independence, to be celebrated on February 27, 2026. It honors the historical significance of the Dominican Republic's independence on February 27, 1844, and recognizes the contributions of over one million Dominican residents and Dominican Americans in New York State. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it simply requests the New York State Legislature pause to acknowledge this anniversary and direct copies to Dominican organizations. As a ceremonial resolution, it focuses on cultural recognition rather than legislative action.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1493 commemorates the 45th anniversary of Dorothy Day's death, honoring her legacy as a Catholic lay leader, journalist, and co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement. The resolution formally recognizes her lifelong work in social justice, pacifism, and service to the poor, particularly her ties to Staten Island. It directs that copies of the resolution be sent to the Staten Island Catholic Worker and St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church in New Brighton, where Day is interred and where her legacy is actively preserved. This is a symbolic gesture with no legal effect or direct impact on individuals or policies.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (J 1365) that formally commends Michael J. DiMeo for his induction into the 2025 Oneida County Historical Richard W. Couper Living Legends Hall of Fame. The resolution recognizes DiMeo’s 30+ years as a music educator and band director in New Hartford, his leadership of community bands, and his contributions to music education and civic life. It includes no policy changes or direct effects on constituents - it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on January 21, 2026, and includes a copy to be delivered to DiMeo.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1392) asks Governor Hochul to designate April 11-17, 2026, as Black Maternal Health Week in New York State. It aims to raise public awareness about the severe racial disparities in maternal health outcomes, where Black women in New York face significantly higher risks of pregnancy-related death and complications compared to white women. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funds but serves as a symbolic recognition of these health inequities and supports community efforts led by Black women's health organizations. It aligns with the national Black Mamas Matter Alliance's campaign to highlight preventable maternal health challenges.

Maddy summaryThis resolution asks Governor Hochul to officially recognize April 29, 2026, as "Denim Day" across New York State. It commemorates a global awareness movement started in 1999 to protest the blaming of sexual assault victims for their clothing, and aims to support ongoing education about sexual violence. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but requests a ceremonial proclamation to honor this annual observance. It specifically references Denim Day's role in raising awareness about sexual assault, particularly for vulnerable groups like youth and LGBTQ individuals.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (J 1364) adopted by the Senate to formally commend Jane Domingue for her induction into the 2025 Oneida County Historical Richard W. Couper Living Legends Hall of Fame. It recognizes her decades of work as an educator and community advocate, including founding After Three Bunch and leading Thea Bowman House, which serves over 300 children daily. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely a symbolic gesture of appreciation from the Legislature. It was adopted on January 21, 2026, and a copy will be sent to Ms. Domingue.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 1362 commends Dietra Harvey for her induction into the 2025 Oneida County Historical Richard W. Couper Living Legends Hall of Fame. The resolution recognizes her 25+ years of community leadership, including roles in human services, nonprofit advocacy, and civic engagement across the Mohawk Valley. It formally honors her contributions to equity, community development, and local heritage, with a copy to be transmitted to her upon adoption. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy changes or direct legal effect.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a law) honoring the New Hartford Fire Department's 125th anniversary. It formally recognizes the department's history of service, including its founding in 1901, over 45,000 calls answered, and role as a volunteer fire department in Oneida County. The resolution asks the legislature to pause and publicly acknowledge the department's dedication, with a copy to be given to the firefighters. It does not create new policies or affect any legal obligations.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate resolution (S 1382) requesting Governor Hochul to declare May 11-17, 2026, as "Period Poverty Awareness Week" in New York. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but aims to raise public awareness about period poverty - the inability to afford menstrual products, which affects roughly 1 in 4 women and girls and can lead to missed school or work. The resolution cites statistics on how period poverty impacts health, education, and economic opportunities for menstruators. As a procedural measure, it has no direct policy impact beyond encouraging awareness.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 1410) memorializes Governor Hochul to officially proclaim March 25, 2026, as Vietnam Veterans Day in New York State, aligning with National Vietnam Veterans Day. It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes the service of New York veterans who served during the Vietnam War era (1962-1975). The resolution encourages New Yorkers to observe the day with ceremonies honoring these veterans' contributions and supporting their reintegration into civilian life. It is a symbolic gesture of appreciation, not a policy change affecting specific groups or programs.