Rep. Joe Shekarchi

Maddy summaryThis resolution officially designates June 2024 as Pride Month in Rhode Island to honor the LGBTQIA+ community. It recognizes the state's history of protecting against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity while celebrating the culture and contributions of LGBTQIA+ residents. The document directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy to Rhode Island Pride, acknowledging the organization's role in local events.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally congratulates Milissa O'Neil on being selected as the 2024-2025 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year. It directly affects Ms. O'Neil, an elementary and special educator at Oakland Beach Elementary School, by officially recognizing her achievements and dedication to her students. The resolution highlights her extensive background in education, her advocacy for STEAM and social-emotional learning, and her various leadership roles within the school community. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of this resolution to Ms. O'Neil as a gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the 170th anniversary of the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Peace and Amity and celebrates the long-standing friendship between Rhode Island and Japan. It highlights historical connections, such as Commodore Matthew Perry's role in establishing diplomatic ties and the state's maritime heritage, alongside modern economic contributions from Japanese companies operating in Rhode Island. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to federal officials in Washington and the Consul General of Japan in Boston to formally recognize this anniversary and encourage continued cultural and economic cooperation.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally acknowledges the historical presence and heritage of the Manissean Tribal Natives on Block Island, Rhode Island. It highlights the tribe's long history on the island, noting their decline in population over centuries and their resilience through various challenges. The resolution encourages the preservation of local indigenous culture and historical sites while honoring the ancestors and descendants of the Manissean people. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the President of the Manissean Tribe.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 28, 2024, as "Arts Advocacy Day" throughout Rhode Island to highlight the importance of the arts sector. It acknowledges that the arts contribute significantly to the state's economy, education, and community life, noting that the industry has faced challenges following the pandemic. The resolution urges residents to support local arts programs and directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the proclamation to relevant arts organizations.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 23, 2024, as "Lead Poisoning Prevention Day" in Rhode Island to raise awareness about the health risks of lead exposure. It highlights the dangers lead poses to children, particularly in the state's many pre-1978 homes where lead-based paint is common, noting that thousands of local children are at risk. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the proclamation to the Department of Environmental Management. This measure is a commemorative action intended to focus attention on lead safety rather than to change laws or regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates May 23, 2024, as "Rhode Island Community Health Center Day" to honor the work of these facilities. It directly affects the eight specific community health centers listed in the resolution, which provide affordable medical, dental, and behavioral care to over 200,000 Rhode Islanders. The resolution highlights the centers' significant contributions, including their employment of thousands of staff and generation of hundreds of millions in economic activity. Additionally, it instructs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the proclamation to each of the eight named organizations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates the 59th annual Gaspee Days celebration and marks the 252nd anniversary of the burning of the British ship HMS Gaspee in 1772. The bill formally recognizes the historical significance of this event as a pivotal moment in the American Revolution and acknowledges the ongoing annual festivities held in Pawtuxet Village, Rhode Island. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the Gaspee Days Committee chairman and encourages citizens to participate in the upcoming events.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that congratulates Paul Rizzo on his induction into the Rhode Island Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. It directly affects Coach Rizzo by formally recognizing his nineteen-year tenure as the head coach of the North Providence Boys Basketball Team, during which he led the team to multiple league titles and state championships. The resolution highlights his specific achievements, including three Division II state victories and numerous Coach of the Year awards, while also noting his past success coaching softball and baseball at the same school. The final provision directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of this resolution to Coach Rizzo.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 10, 2024, as Lupus Day in Rhode Island to raise awareness about lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The bill highlights the need for better public understanding of the condition and improved communication between patients and doctors to ensure timely diagnosis and care. Additionally, it encourages charitable donations to the Lupus Foundation of America and related organizations to support research and patient services. The House of Representatives has passed this measure to formally recognize the day and transmit the resolution to the foundation.