Rep. Alyssa Black

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 proposes that Vermont adopt and join the Social Work Licensure Compact, an agreement that allows licensed social workers to practice across multiple states with a single license. The legislation would update Vermont's current social work licensing laws to align with this interstate compact framework, enabling social workers to move between participating states more easily. Directly affected individuals include social workers seeking to practice in multiple jurisdictions and the state's licensing board overseeing credentialing. The bill does not change existing requirements for initial licensure but would facilitate reciprocity among member states. It is currently under review by the Committee on Health Care.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires healthcare providers in Vermont to complete training on cultural competency, cultural humility, and antiracism as recommended by the Health Equity Advisory Commission. The legislation establishes both initial training requirements for new providers and continuing education mandates for existing practitioners working within the state's healthcare system. By implementing these educational standards, the bill aims to improve healthcare delivery through enhanced provider understanding of diverse patient needs and backgrounds. The measure directly affects medical professionals, nurses, and other healthcare workers licensed to practice in Vermont.

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 designates April 4, 2023, as Youth and Young Adult Mental Health Day in Vermont to raise awareness about mental health challenges among young people. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a ceremonial recognition to highlight the importance of supporting teen and young adult mental well-being. The resolution cites research showing increased rates of anxiety and depression among students and notes that the prefrontal cortex does not fully develop until the mid-20s. The measure was adopted by both the Senate and House of Representatives as a symbolic gesture rather than a policy change.

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.