Rep. Karen DeSanto

Maddy summaryAB 125 designates February 18 as a special observance day in Wisconsin public schools to honor Vel R. Phillips' birthday. The bill adds this date to school calendar requirements, directing schools to recognize Vel R. Phillips' contributions during the school year following the law's effective date. This applies directly to all Wisconsin public schools.

Maddy summaryAJR 9 is a Wisconsin Assembly Joint Resolution honoring Bob Uecker, the longtime Milwaukee Brewers radio broadcaster and entertainer, for his 69-year career in baseball. The resolution recognizes his contributions as a broadcaster, actor (including "Mr. Belvedere" and "Major League"), philanthropist, and community figure, citing his 54-year tenure with the Brewers and his cultural impact. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it is a symbolic tribute passed by the Wisconsin Legislature to memorialize his legacy. The resolution extends condolences to his family and acknowledges his widespread influence on baseball fans and Wisconsin.

Maddy summaryAJR 20 is a joint resolution that proclaims the week of April 28 to May 2, 2025, as School Nutrition Professionals Appreciation Week. It recognizes the contributions of school nutrition professionals in Wisconsin and encourages the public to show gratitude for their work.

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 31 proclaims March 31, 2025, as Wisconsin's Transgender Day of Visibility. This resolution formally recognizes the day to acknowledge, celebrate, and elevate transgender and nonbinary people across the state.

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 19 honors April 22, 2025, as the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, an event founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin. The resolution encourages Wisconsinites to continue actions to preserve the environment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the state legislature to convene an extraordinary session if a U.S. President issues an executive order freezing federal aid to the state. This affects state agencies, local governments, and nonprofit organizations that receive federal funding. During the extraordinary session, the legislature would consider a bill to estimate the amounts of federal aid lost by these entities. The bill would then provide payments from the state's budget stabilization fund to offset these losses, prioritizing essential services. It also includes provisions for the budget stabilization fund to be reimbursed if the state later receives the previously frozen federal aid.

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 42 (AJR 42) proposes an advisory referendum for Wisconsin voters at the general election in November 2026. This referendum asks voters if Wisconsin's congressional delegation should support, and the state Legislature should ratify, an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The proposed amendment would state that only human beings have constitutional rights, not corporations or other artificial entities. It would also declare that money is not speech, allowing for limitations on political contributions and spending.

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 36 (AJR 36) proposes to amend the state constitution to establish a fundamental right for all people, including future generations, to a clean, safe, and healthy natural environment. This right would encompass clean water, air, healthy soils, self-sustaining ecosystems, and a safe climate. The bill specifies that these rights are self-executing, cannot be infringed, and would be subject to strict legal review. It also designates the state as a trustee responsible for protecting Wisconsin's natural resources for its citizens. As a "first consideration" bill, it represents the initial step in a multi-stage process to potentially alter the state constitution.

Maddy summaryAJR 54 is a joint resolution that would formally recognize Tuesday, March 25, 2025, as Equal Pay Day in Wisconsin. This resolution highlights the ongoing pay equity gap, noting that women must work further into the new year to earn the same wages their male counterparts earned in the previous year.

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 33 (AJR 33) declares an "Economic Justice Bill of Rights" for the people of Wisconsin. This resolution aims to renew the state's progressive tradition and address historical disparities for various communities. It outlines ten specific rights, including the right to a job paying a living wage, adequately funded public education, affordable healthcare, a clean environment, and safe, affordable housing. The resolution also includes rights to a union, equitable access to capital, and a fair justice system, regardless of a person's background or status.