Sen. Lynda Culver

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes April 29, 2025, as "World Wish Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the Make-A-Wish Foundation's 45th anniversary and its work granting wishes to children with critical illnesses. It does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges the Foundation's impact, including over 700 wishes granted to Pennsylvania children in 2024. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture supporting the Foundation's mission, which has granted over 585,000 wishes worldwide since 1980.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically designates April 2025 as "Sexual Assault Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It recognizes the national observance and highlights statistics on sexual violence (e.g., 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men in the U.S. experience rape, 81% of women report sexual harassment). The resolution aims to raise community awareness and support for survivors, aligning with the theme "Together We Act, United We Change." As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges the issue for the state.

Maddy summarySB 470 proposes to create a Secondary Education Fire Training Pilot Program in Pennsylvania, allowing high school students aged 16+ to earn credit for firefighter and emergency medical services training through partnerships between schools and colleges. The bill establishes a Fire Training Fund to accept donations and provides $150,000 per participating college over the 4-year pilot period. It requires three regional colleges to partner with school entities (including districts and charter schools) to offer Firefighter I certification courses, with the goal of increasing volunteer firefighter recruitment. The program includes a post-pilot survey to assess its impact on local volunteer fire departments. This is proposed legislation pending final approval, with an effective date of January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Senator Mary Jo White's life and service in the Pennsylvania Senate, expressing condolences to her family. It recognizes her work on environmental policy, advocacy for women's rights, and her role as the first woman elected to Senate Republican leadership. The resolution serves as a formal tribute to her career and legacy without creating any new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $500 annual tax credit for Pennsylvania residents who serve as active volunteer certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs) or volunteer firefighters. To qualify, individuals must have at least two full years of service by December 31 of the tax year and respond to at least 20% of their agency's emergency calls during that period. The credit applies to tax liability starting with taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026, and cannot be carried over, refunded, or sold. The Department of Revenue will administer the credit, require self-certification, and submit annual reports to the General Assembly on its usage.

Maddy summarySR 55 is a symbolic resolution designating April 2025 as "Pennsylvania Donate Life Month" to raise awareness about organ, tissue, and cornea donation. It does not create new laws or policies but commemorates Pennsylvania's donation efforts, citing that over 6,400 residents await transplants and 857 donors gave the gift of life in 2024. The resolution recognizes existing donor awareness work by state agencies and organizations like Gift of Life Donor Program. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct impact on individuals or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 29, 2025, as "Vietnam War Veterans Day" in Pennsylvania, aligning with the state's existing law (Act 124 of 2024) that requires annual recognition of this date. It directs the Governor to issue a proclamation encouraging public schools and educational institutions to observe the day by honoring Vietnam War veterans' service and sacrifices. The resolution does not create new rights or funding but formally recognizes the contributions of veterans who served between 1955 and 1975, including nearly 3,150 Pennsylvanians who died or were missing in action. This follows federal recognition established by the 2017 Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 56) passed by the Pennsylvania Senate to honor the late Jerry Allen Stern, a former state representative who served the 80th District from 1992 to 2015. The resolution extends condolences to his wife, children, grandchildren, and family following his death on December 11, 2024. It recognizes his service as a legislator, his work on committees, and his community involvement in Blair County. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or binding effect.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution designates March 2025 as "Disabilities Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It encourages all Pennsylvanians to learn about challenges faced by people with disabilities and fosters greater public awareness of their experiences. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize systemic inequities and honor disability rights progress.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 52), not a law. It designates April 14-18, 2025, as "Local Government Week" and April 16, 2025, as "Local Government Day" in Pennsylvania. The resolution recognizes the role of Pennsylvania's local governments - including counties, cities, townships, boroughs, school districts, and authorities - in providing essential services like roads, public safety, education, and utilities to over 12 million residents. It has no binding effect or policy changes; it solely serves to honor local officials and staff.