Rep. Tara Johnson

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 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 41 (AJR 41) proclaims May 2025 and May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Months. This resolution by the Wisconsin Legislature recognizes the over 370-year history of Jewish contributions to the nation's civic, social, economic, and cultural life, and thanks Jewish American citizens for shaping the country's character and strengthening religious freedom.

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 39 officially recognizes Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. This resolution by the Wisconsin State Legislature aims to honor the significant contributions of Asians, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history and diversity of the United States and 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.

Maddy summaryAB 159 creates a grant program to support rural creative economy development in Wisconsin. It provides competitive grants of up to $50,000 to eligible applicants - including rural cities, tribes, nonprofits, and economic development organizations - for projects like renovating public spaces, supporting public arts, and promoting local creative businesses. Applicants must secure matching funds from nonstate sources (with no more than 25% in-kind), and grants must directly benefit rural areas defined as populations under 10,000 or non-urbanized regions. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation must report on the program's effectiveness by May 2027.