Rep. Karen Dolan

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution formally congratulates individuals who achieved significant scouting milestones in 2022. It honors 35 young people who earned the Eagle Scout rank and one individual, Katherine Lewis, who received the Summit Award for Venturing. The General Assembly directs the Secretary of State to send copies of this recognition to each person named in the resolution. This ceremonial document acknowledges their accomplishments but does not create new laws or policy changes.

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 House concurrent resolution congratulates Mikaela Shiffrin on her historic 2022-2023 World Cup Alpine ski racing achievements, including becoming the winningest female Alpine racer of all time with 88 victories and setting a new all-time World Cup record with 87 event wins. The resolution recognizes her accomplishments, which include winning races in all six World Cup Alpine disciplines and accumulating 138 career podiums. It directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to Shiffrin and U.S. Ski & Snowboard as a formal acknowledgment of her record-setting performance.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2023 as Donate Life Awareness Month in Vermont to raise public awareness about organ and tissue donation. It directly affects Vermont residents by encouraging them to register as organ donors through the Department of Motor Vehicles. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to relevant health and motor vehicle officials and Donate Life Vermont to coordinate awareness activities. The bill highlights the national need for organ donors, noting that many people wait for transplants while others die daily, and celebrates Vermont's high rate of donor registration.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution that congratulates the winning teams of the 2023 15th Jr Iron Chef VT competition, a culinary event for middle and high school students in Vermont. The resolution acknowledges the competition's return after a pandemic-related pause and recognizes the three award categories: Crowd Pleaser, Lively Local, and Mise en Place. It specifically names the six winning teams that received awards in both morning and afternoon rounds across middle and high school divisions. The General Assembly directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to each winning team and to Vermont Afterschool, which oversees the event.

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 House concurrent resolution designates April 5, 2023, as Start by Believing Day in Vermont to raise awareness about supporting victims of domestic and sexual violence. The measure does not change laws or create new programs but serves as a symbolic recognition of the challenges survivors face when seeking help. By acknowledging this day, the General Assembly aims to encourage friends, family, and community members to respond with support rather than doubt when someone discloses violence. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy to the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, which provides services to survivors in the state.

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.