Rep. Jonathan Cooper

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution formally congratulates W. Anthony Sheppard, a music professor at Williams College and resident of Pownal, Vermont, on being selected as a 2026 Guggenheim Fellow. The bill recognizes his appointment to the prestigious fellowship program, which honors individuals making significant contributions to the arts, sciences, and humanities. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Professor Sheppard to acknowledge the state's support for his academic achievements.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that formally acknowledges the fifth anniversary of a partnership between Middlebury Language Schools and Bennington College. It recognizes the agreement signed in 2019, which moved three language programs to the Bennington campus to foster academic excellence and cultural exchange. The text highlights the history of the language schools and the shared commitment of both institutions to immersive education. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send copies of this recognition to the two colleges involved.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal resolution that congratulates Ella Palisano on breaking the Vermont girls' indoor track and field high jump record with a jump of five feet, nine inches. It acknowledges her achievement as a senior at Mt. Anthony Union High School and expresses good wishes for her upcoming athletic career at Ohio State University. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Palisano as an official gesture of recognition.

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution honors the life and service of former Washington County Senator Mary Just Skinner. It formally expresses the General Assembly's condolences to her family following her unexpected death in January 2026. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to her family as a gesture of respect.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors Dennis Miles, the General Assembly Doorkeeper, for his long service to the Vermont legislature and its staff. It recognizes his 41-year career as an educator and coach before he joined the General Assembly in 2014, where he has managed building security and mentored legislative pages for over a dozen years. The resolution formally acknowledges his dedication and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to him as a gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that honors General Assembly Head Doorkeeper Michael Wiater and his wife, Donna Wiater, for their long careers in Vermont state government. It recognizes Mike Wiater's background as a former soldier and state police officer before he spent over two decades facilitating the orderly operation of the State House, while also acknowledging Donna Wiater's work as an administrative assistant. The document serves to express gratitude for their public service and officially extends best wishes for their future as they conclude their tenures in 2026. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of this honor to the couple.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a formal resolution that congratulates Linda Alvarez on being named the 2026 Vermont Teacher of the Year and honors the two finalists, Jason Raymond and Erin Randall. Linda Alvarez, a career and technical education instructor at Windham Regional Career Center, is recognized as the first CTE teacher to receive this award. The resolution highlights her background in business and education, her commitment to student success, and her additional roles advising student organizations and serving on advisory councils. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the three educators as an official acknowledgment of their achievements.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 206) commemorates the 160th anniversary of the Park-McCullough Historic Governor’s Mansion in Bennington. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the mansion's historical significance through a resolution passed by the Vermont General Assembly. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Park-McCullough House Association, Inc., the Friends of Hiland Hall Gardens, and the Fund for North Bennington, Inc. The bill focuses solely on ceremonial acknowledgment of the mansion's history and current role as a community museum and event space.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution honoring the life of former Representative Stephen Andrew Carr, who passed away in April 2026. It recognizes his extensive community service in western Vermont, including his roles on local selectboards, his leadership in economic development projects like the Segment 6 Project, and his long career in banking and finance. The resolution formally extends the General Assembly's condolences to his family and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to them.

Maddy summaryThis Vermont House joint resolution urges the U.S. Congress to pass H.R. 5356, a bill establishing a National Infrastructure Bank to fund critical public projects. The proposed bank would provide up to $5 trillion in direct loans and financing for initiatives such as repairing roads and bridges, upgrading water systems, expanding broadband, and building affordable housing. Modeled after historical federal financing institutions, the bank is designed to support projects that pay prevailing wages, prioritize American-made materials, and offer financial assistance to minority and women-owned businesses. While the resolution highlights Vermont's specific infrastructure challenges and rising homelessness as context, its primary function is to formally request federal action rather than create new state laws. The measure directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the Governor, the President, and Vermont's congressional representatives.