Sen. Ann Cummings

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 increases Vermont's minimum wage to $15.00 per hour by January 1, 2025, with annual adjustments thereafter based on inflation or a five percent increase, whichever is smaller. It also establishes a study committee to examine whether to eliminate certain exemptions from minimum wage coverage, including for tipped workers, and to investigate paying inmates at least the minimum wage. The committee will analyze impacts on jobs, prices, worker welfare, and correctional budgets, and must submit its findings and recommendations by November 15, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates the 2022 Montpelier High School Division III championship field hockey team. It recognizes the team's achievement of winning the state championship and earning a 13-4 season record, highlighting the players and coaches who contributed to their success. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Montpelier High School as an official record of the General Assembly's acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryThis bill would expand eligibility for Vermont's Medicare Savings Programs by raising income limits for two of the three programs. It increases the income threshold for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program to 150 percent of the federal poverty level and raises the limit for the Qualifying Individual Program to 185 percent of the federal poverty level. The legislation also eliminates the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program entirely. These changes would allow more low-income Vermonters to qualify for financial assistance with their Medicare premiums and cost-sharing. The bill requires approval from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services before the new eligibility rules take effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Vermont school districts that do not operate their own elementary or high schools to designate eligible public or independent schools to serve as the district's public schools. It allows these districts to pay tuition to designated schools for their students, with specific criteria for which independent schools qualify, such as being recognized regional centers or having historical public school status. The legislation also removes the definition and approval process for independent schools while keeping the enrollment process for recognized independent schools intact. Additionally, it creates a new definition for therapeutic schools and updates special education tuition provisions. The changes apply to school districts and their students, with oversight and reimbursement rules for tuition payments between districts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires state agencies to install renewable heating systems and non-fossil fuel cooking appliances when replacing existing equipment in buildings they own or control. It applies to the Department of Buildings and General Services, the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation, and the Agency of Transportation, mandating that new primary heating and cooking systems use non-fossil fuel sources starting in fiscal year 2024. Agencies may request written exemptions if installing renewable systems is deemed financially impracticable, and they must report any exemptions or continued use of fossil fuel systems to legislative committees annually. The legislation also permits fossil fuel systems to serve as backup heating during peak periods if non-fossil fuel backup options are unavailable.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve patient access to and payment for health care services in Vermont by establishing several new rules for hospitals and health care providers. It limits the cost of coronavirus diagnostic tests to twice the Medicare rate, prevents hospitals from placing liens on accident victims without first seeking payment from insurance, and requires hospitals to report wait times annually. The legislation also mandates that health care providers submit payment claims within 60 days of service and requires medical records to be sent to patients within 10 days of request, with limited fees allowed for copies. These provisions would take effect on July 1, 2023, and apply to all hospitals and health care providers operating in Vermont.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates January 23-27, 2023, as the first annual Holocaust Education Week in Vermont. It directly affects Vermont schools and educational institutions by establishing a formal period for Holocaust education activities. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to the Vermont Holocaust Memorial and the Agency of Education to facilitate the event. This commemorative measure recognizes the historical significance of the Holocaust and aims to increase awareness through organized educational programming during the designated week.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House concurrent resolution that formally congratulates the 2022 Montpelier High School Division II championship boys' soccer team. It recognizes the team's undefeated season, noting their 17-0-1 record and their achievement of preventing opponents from scoring in 12 games during the championship tournament. The resolution lists the names of the team members and their head coach, Eric Bagley, and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the document to Montpelier High School.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that formally honors Barry Bernstein of Calais for his leadership as president of the Washington Electric Cooperative Inc. It recognizes his role in guiding the cooperative to transition away from nuclear power contracts toward renewable energy sources like wind turbines and landfill gas projects. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official acknowledgment of his contributions to the organization. It directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to both Bernstein and the cooperative.