Rep. Joan Fitzgerald

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 summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 44 honors the distinguished life and public service of the late Representative Frederick P. Kessler, recognizing his extensive career as an assemblyman and judge in Wisconsin. The resolution details his contributions, including his work on language immersion schools and redistricting reform, and directs that a copy be provided to his family.

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.

Maddy summaryAssembly Bill 220 seeks to expand anti-discrimination protections across various aspects of life. The bill proposes to amend numerous state statutes to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. This would directly affect individuals in areas such as employment, housing, public accommodations, education, insurance coverage, and adoption. Key provisions include requiring government contractors not to discriminate on these grounds, while clarifying that affirmative action requirements may not apply to these new protected characteristics in certain contracts.

Maddy summaryAssembly Bill 186 requires the Department of Workforce Development to conduct a study on establishing a guaranteed employment grant program. This study will examine the requirements, costs, and eligibility for a program that would offer grants to public and nonprofit entities in the "care economy" to create jobs. These jobs would pay at least $20 per hour for 100 days, targeting specific groups such as young adults, individuals with disabilities, low-income heads of households, the long-term unemployed, and previously incarcerated individuals. The department must submit a report with its findings and recommendations to the governor and legislature within 18 months. The bill appropriates $250,000 to the Department of Workforce Development to conduct this study and create the report.

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 32 designates the first full week in May as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week in Wisconsin. This resolution aims to raise awareness about Tardive Dyskinesia (TD), a condition associated with antipsychotic medication use, and emphasizes the importance of early detection and routine screening for individuals prescribed these medications.

Maddy summaryAJR 40 is a commemorative resolution that celebrates 50 years of strength and resilience of the Hmong, Lao, Cambodian, and Vietnamese people. It honors the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the Vietnam War, the Secret War in Laos, and the Fall of Phnom Penh in Cambodia in 1975, recognizing the contributions of these communities, particularly those who resettled in Wisconsin.

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 58 officially designates the month of May as Older Americans Month in Wisconsin. This resolution aims to recognize the significant contributions of older Americans in the state and underscore the importance of supporting programs that help them maintain health and independence.

Maddy summaryAB 224 requires that referendum questions on ballots - whether for constitutional amendments or other measures - be written in plain, clear language. It prohibits wording that would force voters to cast a "negative vote" to approve a proposal or an "affirmative vote" to reject one. For constitutional amendment questions, the ballot must also specify if any part of the amendment is already in existing state law. This rule applies to all public votes on measures submitted to voters, aiming to make ballot initiatives easier for the public to understand. The bill directly affects voters and election officials who draft and administer referendum questions.