Rep. Mari Cordes

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HCR 26) honoring Burlington High School alumna Ilona Maher for winning a bronze medal with the U.S. women's rugby sevens team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It formally congratulates her on this achievement and directs Vermont's Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to her. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely serves to recognize her athletic accomplishment and community ties. It was adopted by the Vermont House and Senate in February 2025 as a symbolic gesture.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Vermont's State Registrar to amend a death certificate to reflect the deceased person's gender identity at the time of death. It permits correction upon application by a healthcare provider, medical examiner, or close family members (spouse, child, parent, or guardian). The Department of Health must create rules specifying acceptable evidence (like advanced directives) and required forms for these requests. The changes take effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryH 271 would change how Vermont health insurance and Medicaid cover physical therapy. It prohibits insurers and Medicaid from requiring a doctor's note or care plan to access physical therapy, and stops insurers from charging higher out-of-pocket costs for physical therapy than for primary care visits for similar conditions. The bill also mandates a 10% increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates for physical therapy services over two years. This directly affects Vermont residents needing physical therapy, their insurance providers, and physical therapy clinics by reducing barriers to care and improving provider payments. The bill aims to make physical therapy more accessible and affordable under Vermont's health programs.

Maddy summaryHCR 21 is a symbolic resolution expressing the Vermont General Assembly's appreciation for school board members' role in public education. It formally designates February as "School Board Recognition Month" in Vermont to highlight their contributions. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely ceremonial, acknowledging school board members' civic service. The resolution was adopted by both chambers on February 7, 2025, and directs the Secretary of State to share it with the Vermont School Boards Association.

Maddy summaryH 228 requires Vermont hospitals to report detailed compensation data for executives, clinical leaders, and frontline healthcare workers (including base salaries, bonuses, and benefits) to the Green Mountain Care Board annually. It mandates that hospitals maintain staffing ratios where administrative staff do not exceed national averages for similar hospitals, and caps executive/clinical leadership compensation at no more than 10 times the pay of the lowest-paid frontline healthcare workers. These requirements will be integrated into the Board’s annual hospital budget review process starting in 2027. The bill applies to all Vermont hospitals and takes effect January 1, 2026, for fiscal year 2027 budgets.

Maddy summaryThis bill (H 239) would extend key rights to temporary Vermont state employees who work over 1,280 hours annually for two years. It requires temporary workers to receive comparable pay, whistleblower protections, sick/annual leave, and health insurance meeting ACA standards after six months of employment. The bill also prohibits termination without good cause and clarifies that such employees qualify as "State employees" for labor rights purposes. These changes apply to temporary workers in state agencies, colleges, and courts who meet the hour threshold, effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryH 246 requires all postsecondary schools in Vermont to designate a Student Liaison Officer to assist students experiencing homelessness and those exiting the foster care system with financial aid, housing, and academic resources. Schools must implement policies providing these students priority access to class enrollment, on-campus housing (with a half-time enrollment requirement), and housing during breaks. The bill also mandates fee waivers for registration and laboratory costs for eligible students. These requirements will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 29) is a ceremonial gesture congratulating Montgomery runner Elinor Purrier St. Pierre on her eighth-place finish in the women's 1500m at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It recognizes her athletic achievements, including American records and prior Olympic participation, as detailed in the resolution's "whereas" clauses. The resolution directs Vermont's Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Ms. Purrier St. Pierre. As a symbolic tribute with no policy changes or direct effects, it does not alter laws or affect any constituents beyond expressing legislative recognition.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution honors the Vermont Old Cemetery Association (VOCA) for its 65+ years of preserving Vermont's historic cemeteries. VOCA provides restoration grants, veteran burial support, and educational resources (like its newsletter and book *Burial Grounds of Vermont*) to local cemetery groups and municipalities. The resolution formally recognizes VOCA's work without creating new laws, funding, or policy changes. It serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for the organization's contributions to cemetery preservation and public education.

Maddy summaryHCR 23 is a ceremonial resolution designating February 13, 2025, as Youth Mentoring Day at the Vermont State House. It recognizes the value of mentoring relationships for youth, citing statistics about mentored youth feeling supported and empowered. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to MENTOR Vermont, a state mentoring organization, but contains no new laws, funding, or policy changes. This is purely a symbolic recognition with no legal effect.