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 7 (AJR 7) designates February 4, 2025, as Transit Equity Day in Wisconsin. This joint resolution aims to recognize the importance of equitable access to public transit for all residents, including people of color, economically disadvantaged individuals, and those with disabilities.
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 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 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 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.
