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HCR 279

House concurrent resolution honoring General Assembly Head Doorkeeper Michael G. Wiater and his wife, Sergeant at Arms Administrative Assistant Donna Wiater, for their dedicated State public service and extending future best wishes

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Angela Arsenault and 169 co-sponsors

Honors long-serving Vermont State House staffers Mike and Donna Wiater for their dedicated service as doorkeeper and sergeant-at-arms administrator, recognizing impending 2026 reti

Ceremonial Reading
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HCR 279

Summary of Bill HCR 279 (2025-2026, Vermont)

What the bill is

  • Type: House Concurrent Resolution
  • Purpose: Honor and extend best wishes to two longtime State House staffers, Michael C. Wiater and Donna Wiater, upon the conclusion of their tenures in 2026.
  • Jurisdiction: Vermont, General Assembly (House of Representatives and Senate)

Primary purpose and intent

  • To recognize the dedicated public service of:
    • General Assembly Head Doorkeeper: Michael C. Wiater
    • Sergeant at Arms Administrative Assistant: Donna Wiater
  • To publicly acknowledge their contributions to the functioning and security of the State House, their support for legislative operations, and their roles in education and staff mentorship.
  • To extend future best wishes as they complete their service under the Vermont State House “golden dome.”

Key provisions and contents

  • Declarative statements praising the Wiaters’ service:
    • Mike Wiater’s background: Born in Springfield, MA; U.S. Army service (1st Infantry Division, 1973–1976); pursuit of higher education at multiple institutions; 25 years with the Vermont State Police, rising to sergeant.
    • Transition to General Assembly doorkeeper in 2006; responsibilities include:
    • Controlling chamber access during sessions (House and Senate)
    • Coordinating distribution of pink message slips
    • Supervising 8th-grade legislative pages and teaching them about the General Assembly’s role and procedures
    • Designation as Head Doorkeeper in 2017
    • Donna Wiater’s role since 2020 as Administrative Assistant in the Office of the Sergeant at Arms
  • Formal acknowledgment that Mike and Donna Wiater have been “extraordinary public servants” whose presence has been valuable and enjoyable to staff and lawmakers.
  • Explicit note of concluding their tenures in 2026.
  • Directive to the Secretary of State:
    • To send a copy of the resolution to Mike and Donna Wiater.

Who is affected

  • Indirectly: Vermont General Assembly members, staff, and the public who benefit from the Wiaters’ service in the State House.
  • Directly: The Wiaters themselves, through formal recognition by both houses.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Last recorded action is “On Consent Calendar” (April 30, 2026), indicating passage by both chambers on consent unless otherwise noted.
  • Sponsor and co-sponsors:
    • Primary sponsor: Rep. Lori Houghton
    • Multiple co-sponsors across House and Senate, reflecting broad bipartisan support.
  • Effective date: The resolution becomes an official expression of the General Assembly; no substantive policy changes or funding implications.

Impact and significance

  • Non-binding ceremonial measure that honors long-standing service.
  • Highlights the importance of staff roles in maintaining orderly legislative operations, accessibility, and educational outreach (through page supervision and instruction).
  • Sets a formal public record of appreciation and best wishes for the Wiaters as they retire in 2026.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize particular audiences (legislative staff, public constituents, or researchers) or provide a brief timeline of the Wiaters’ careers based on the text.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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