Rep. Erin Brady

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates five Vermont teachers who were finalists for the 2023 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The resolution recognizes Michelle Page, Thomas Payeur, and Brian Schwartz as finalists for mathematics, and Randy Brown, Allan Miller, and Nicole Preiser as finalists for science. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to each honored teacher. The bill does not create new laws or change policy but serves to formally acknowledge the achievements of these educators.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution officially recognizes March 31, 2023, as Transgender Day of Visibility in Vermont. It expresses the state's support for the rights of all transgender Vermonters and opposes any legislation that would restrict those rights regardless of age. The resolution does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a formal statement of support from the General Assembly. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to three LGBTQ+ organizations in Vermont.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a paid family and medical leave insurance program in Vermont, allowing eligible employees to take time off work for specific life events while receiving wage replacement benefits. It directly affects workers employed by companies with at least 10 to 15 employees, depending on the type of leave, and defines covered situations including parental leave for birth or adoption, family leave for serious health conditions, bereavement leave, safe leave for domestic violence victims, and leave for military family members. The legislation sets clear definitions for who qualifies as an employee, employer, and family member, including provisions for domestic partners and individuals with significant personal bonds beyond traditional family relationships. Key provisions include requirements for employers to fund the insurance program and establish policies that allow workers to take approved leave without losing their jobs.

Maddy summaryThis House concurrent resolution honors former President James Earl Carter as a tireless international humanitarian and public servant. The bill recognizes his post-presidential work, including conflict mediation, election monitoring, disease eradication efforts, and advocacy for affordable housing through Habitat for Humanity. It acknowledges his receipt of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize and his decision to enter hospice care. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to former President Carter.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially recognizes March 2023 as Social Work Month in Vermont to honor the contributions of social workers to improving human well-being and addressing social issues. The resolution highlights the profession's role in various settings including schools, hospitals, and government agencies, as well as its work supporting diverse communities and addressing challenges like the opioid crisis. It marks the 60th anniversary of Social Work Month and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the National Association of Social Workers Vermont Chapter.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution honoring Marshall Webb, a nonprofit cofounder and environmental advocate who passed away in 2022. It recognizes his contributions to Shelburne Farms, a Vermont center for sustainability education, and acknowledges his personal connection to the organization and the state. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to Webb's family and Shelburne Farms as a formal expression of appreciation. This measure does not change laws or policies but serves to publicly acknowledge Webb's legacy and impact on the community.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Vermont Teacher Forgivable Loan Incentive Program, which offers interest-free loans to students enrolled in teacher training programs who agree to work as public school teachers in Vermont for a minimum of one year for each year of loan received. It also establishes a Peer Review Support Grant Program to provide funding for mentoring, professional development, and exam support for prospective educators seeking licensure through the state's peer review process. Additionally, the bill suspends teacher licensure fees from fiscal year 2024 through 2029 and requires the Agency of Education to assess the costs and benefits of teacher licensure reciprocity agreements and compacts. These measures aim to address teacher workforce development and retention by reducing financial barriers and supporting educator training.

Maddy summaryThis bill would prohibit individuals from knowingly possessing firearms or deadly weapons on school property, including school buildings and buses. It directly affects students, staff, visitors, and anyone else who might enter school grounds. The law allows exceptions for law enforcement officers performing their duties or when school officials specifically authorize weapon possession for instructional purposes. Violations would result in criminal penalties, with first-time offenders facing up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine, and repeat offenders facing up to three years in jail or a $5,000 fine. The bill defines school property broadly to include any property owned, leased, controlled, or subcontracted by a school.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a pilot program to help middle schools in Vermont establish career and technical education programs for grades eight and nine. It provides $5.5 million in grant funding to eligible schools located more than 15 miles from existing career centers, with requirements that schools match the funding through in-kind contributions and commit to maintaining the programs for five years. The grants cover one full-time teacher and equipment costs for two years, after which schools must fund their own operations. The Agency of Education will report annually on student participation and program sustainability to the state legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill would reduce a school district's reported education spending by 75% of salary and wage increases for licensed teachers and other school employees, but only if the district meets specific eligibility requirements. To qualify, a school district must be located in a rural area or have at least 40% of students from low-income families, and it must pay all salaried staff at least $50,000 annually or hourly workers at least $20 per hour during fiscal years 2025 through 2027. The calculation determines the amount of increase above these minimum thresholds that would be excluded from the district's spending totals. Districts currently bound by collective bargaining agreements that prevent them from meeting the minimum pay requirements would need to negotiate changes to those agreements to become eligible for the spending exclusion.