Sen. Rob Ortt

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 554) asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially declare June 2025 as "Black Music Month" in New York State. It is a ceremonial request, not a law, and does not impose new requirements or affect any specific groups. The resolution recognizes the cultural significance of Black music in New York and aligns with the national observance of African American Music Appreciation Month. It serves as a symbolic gesture to honor Black musical heritage, with no concrete policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (J 525) congratulating Isabella Satalino, a wrestler from Columbia High School, for winning the NYSPHSAA Girls Wrestling Championship in the 138lbs weight class on February 27, 2025. It recognizes her undefeated 42-0 season and historic achievement as the first wrestler at her school to finish a season undefeated. The resolution has no policy impact; it serves solely as a formal expression of legislative praise for her athletic accomplishment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution asks Governor Hochul to officially proclaim April 2025 as "Month of the Military Child" in New York, honoring military children who navigate frequent relocations due to parents' service. It aligns with Purple Up Day on April 15, 2025, and recognizes the resilience of military children across New York, where over 44,000 live outside military installations. The resolution is symbolic, not a policy change, and focuses on public recognition of their challenges.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 546 requests Governor Hochul to proclaim May 7, 2025, as 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum Day in New York. It honors the 10th Mountain Division's military service, including deployments since 9/11, and recognizes Fort Drum as the state's largest military installation and economic driver (employing over 33,000 people and contributing $1.9 billion to the regional economy). The resolution has no binding effect but aims to formally acknowledge these contributions through a gubernatorial proclamation.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution J 545 co-names a section of Presidents Street in Brooklyn as "Lubavitcher Rebbe Way" to honor Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson's life and legacy. The resolution recognizes his work as a spiritual leader who emphasized kindness, community outreach, and Jewish education, with the street renaming event celebrating his teachings on "routine acts of kindness." Adopted by the Senate on March 25, 2025, it serves as a symbolic tribute rather than a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a bill with policy changes) asking Governor Hochul to declare May 12-18, 2025, as "Prevention Week" in New York State. It does not create new laws or allocate funds; it simply requests the Governor issue a proclamation to raise awareness about substance use prevention and mental health. The resolution cites rising fentanyl-related overdose deaths and emphasizes collaboration with organizations like SAMHSA. It aligns with National Prevention Week and encourages community events focused on prevention education.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (J 526) congratulating four high school athletes - Maya Kelly, Kaitlin Bogucki, Molly Simmons, and Ava Weiss - on winning the NYSPHSAA 4x400 relay championship at the March 8, 2025, meet. It formally recognizes their achievement, school record time (3:54.99), and their representation of Columbia Track and Field. The resolution directs copies to be sent to the athletes and their head coach, with no policy changes or financial impact. As a symbolic gesture, it does not affect laws, budgets, or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (J 548), not a law with policy changes. It formally recognizes New York State's Korean War Veterans by scheduling a celebration event in the Senate Chamber on April 30, 2025. The resolution honors veterans who served during the 1950-1953 Korean War and acknowledges their sacrifice, but it does not create new benefits, funding, or legal obligations. It directly affects Korean War Veterans invited to attend the designated Senate event.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (J 558) formally commemorates the 100th anniversary of "The Buffalo Criterion," a Black-owned newspaper founded in Buffalo, New York, in 1925 by Frank E. Merriweather Sr. and his wife. It recognizes the newspaper's century-long role in serving Buffalo's Black community through journalism, documenting history, and advocating on issues like civil rights, education, and economic development. The resolution directs the New York State Legislature to pause its proceedings to honor the newspaper's legacy and sends a copy of the resolution to "The Buffalo Criterion" for its archives. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding legal effect or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill) requesting Governor Hochul to officially designate April 9, 2025, as "Yellow Ribbon Day" in New York. It honors military service members, particularly prisoners of war and those missing in action, referencing the tradition started in 2006 by "The Yellow Ribbon Lady" Carol Pingelski Hotaling. The resolution specifically commemorates the date when US Army Staff Sergeant Maupin was captured as the first POW of the Iraq War (April 9, 2004). It has no policy impact but asks the Governor to recognize this day for public awareness and gratitude toward military personnel.