WHEREAS, started in 2001 and recognized annually on August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event to remember those who have lost their lives to drug overdoses, to raise awareness of overdoses, to reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, and to acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends; and

WHEREAS, in 2024, over 107,000 individuals died in the United States from drug overdoses, including 490 individuals here in Maine; and

WHEREAS, there are over 360,000 adults with disabilities in Maine, making up almost a third of the state's population; and

WHEREAS, the disability community has a critical interest in policies and decisions made and enacted at the local, state, and national levels that impact their lives directly; and

WHEREAS, Maine has a rich and storied tradition of hunting and angling that dates back further than the state itself and carries forward to this day; and

WHEREAS, hunting and angling continue to be an integral component of the cultural fabric of communities throughout the state, and over recent years have offered a growing number of participants an opportunity to connect with nature on a personal level while simultaneously providing food security, a sense of self-sufficiency, and both mental and physical health benefits; and

WHEREAS, the United Nations, the World Federation of the Deaf, the National Association of the Deaf and 129 National Associations of the Deaf throughout the world simultaneously participate in the Deaf World Week Celebration; and

WHEREAS, the State of Maine and its citizens observe the last full week of September as Deaf Culture Week in accordance with 1 MRSA § 132; and

WHEREAS, Maine is committed to advancing an affordable, reliable and cleaner energy future and enjoys abundant forms of homegrown renewable energy that powers households and businesses across the state; and  

WHEREAS, clean energy sources including solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass facilities provide cost-effective power to Maine and the region; and 

WHEREAS, chronic student absenteeism – defined as missing 10 percent or more of school days for any reason, whether excused, unexcused, or disciplinary – is a growing concern in Maine and across the nation; and

WHEREAS, the State of Maine is committed to providing the best learning opportunities for all students so that they may achieve a pathway to success in school and in life; and

WHEREAS, first responders include firefighters, police officers, nurses, paramedics, emergency medical services personnel, 911 dispatchers, search and rescue teams, and members of other organizations in the public safety sector; and