Maddy summaryS 1538, the Living Schoolyards Act of 2023, creates a federal grant program to help public elementary and secondary schools replace asphalt or pavement with nature-based outdoor spaces called "living schoolyards." The bill prioritizes schools where at least 40% of students qualify for free/reduced-price lunch or are in rural high-need districts, offering grants of $25,000-$100,000 per school. Key provisions require using funds for specific green upgrades like planting shade trees, installing gardens, adding outdoor furniture, or improving stormwater management - while limiting play equipment spending to 50% of funds. The program authorizes $25 million annually (2024-2028) for planning and implementation grants, with a 20% matching requirement waived for high-need schools.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires K-12 public schools to integrate Asian Pacific American history into American history and civics curricula. It amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to mandate that all American history teaching, teacher training, and national assessments include this content. The law directs the Smithsonian Institution’s Asian Pacific American Center to develop educational resources for teachers and students. It directly affects public school systems, educators, and students nationwide by expanding required historical content. The policy change aims to address historical omissions in standard curricula regarding Asian American and Pacific Islander contributions and experiences.
Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate resolution (SRES 201) supporting National Nurses Week, observed annually from May 6-12. It recognizes nurses' contributions to healthcare, their role as patient advocates, and their status as the largest healthcare profession (over 4.5 million registered nurses in the U.S.). The resolution encourages the public to observe the week with recognition and activities but does not create new laws, funding, or requirements. It has no direct effect on policy or nursing practice.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the President and Vice President to disclose detailed financial information, including tax returns for the three most recent years, to Congress and the Office of Government Ethics. It mandates divestment of financial interests that could create conflicts of interest by converting them to "conflict-free" investments or transferring them to a "qualified blind trust" within 30 days of taking office. The Office of Government Ethics must annually review these disclosures and report on compliance, with the ability to seek court action for noncompliance. The bill also requires presidential candidates to disclose tax returns after nomination and establishes public availability of these documents, redacting only sensitive personal information.
Maddy summaryThe EATS Act of 2023 would allow full-time college students (enrolled at least half-time in recognized institutions) to qualify for SNAP benefits, removing a current federal exclusion. It amends the Food and Nutrition Act by adding students to the definition of "household" and eliminating the existing rule that barred them from SNAP participation. This change directly affects college students meeting income requirements who are currently ineligible for food assistance due to their student status. The bill would take effect January 2, 2024, if enacted.
Maddy summaryThis bill strengthens protections for election records, digital data, and equipment by expanding existing Civil Rights Act provisions. It requires election officials to preserve all records (including digital ones) and election equipment, with a specific rule allowing equipment reuse within 22 months if all related data is retained. The bill also mandates CISA to issue compliance guidance within a year and creates a new court process for quickly addressing violations related to election record preservation. These changes directly affect state and local election officials and agencies responsible for managing election infrastructure.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of April 23-29, 2023, as "National Water Week" through a symbolic Senate resolution. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise awareness about water access challenges facing communities across the U.S., including over 2 million people lacking basic water services and rural systems struggling with infrastructure costs. The resolution highlights issues like aging infrastructure, emerging contaminants, and the need for equitable water solutions without proposing specific policy changes. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding effect but serves to recognize water-related priorities.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 119 recognizes the 202nd anniversary of Greece's independence (celebrated March 25, 2023) and celebrates the shared democratic values between Greece and the United States. The resolution highlights historical ties, including U.S. support during Greece's 1821 independence struggle, Greece's role in World War II, and its current status as a U.S. NATO ally. It also commends Greece's contributions to global security and its support for Ukraine's sovereignty following Russia's invasion. This procedural resolution serves as a symbolic gesture to strengthen bilateral relations without enacting new laws.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Baltic Security Initiative, requiring the U.S. Secretary of Defense to deepen security cooperation with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania (the "Baltic countries"). It authorizes $350 million annually for fiscal years 2024-2026 to enhance military capabilities like missile defense, cyber security, and joint planning, while addressing threats from Russia and China. The initiative mandates a strategy report to Congress within one year of enactment, detailing how the U.S. will achieve these security objectives. The bill directly affects U.S. defense spending and the military cooperation framework with the three Baltic nations.
Lifting Our Communities through Advance Liquidity for Infrastructure Act or the LOCAL Infrastructure Act This bill reinstates tax provisions relating to advance refunding bonds. An advance refunding bond is a tax-exempt bond issued by a state or municipality to refinance or consolidate existing bond obligations.