WHEREAS, American history is an essential component of a complete and well-rounded education; and

WHEREAS, the study of history provides us a deeper understanding of our culture and traditions and connects us with events, people, places, and ideas of our country's past; and

WHEREAS, understanding our shared history allows us to make better decisions about our future, and to prevent repeating mistakes of the past; and

WHEREAS, Black History Month, previously known as Negro History Week, was founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson and first celebrated on February 1, 1926; and

WHEREAS, since 1976, it has become a nationally recognized month-long celebration held to acknowledge and pay tribute to the contributions made by African Americans to the history of our country that for years were omitted by society and history books; and

WHEREAS, the State of Maine has over $395 million in unclaimed property, including uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, and other financial assets that are considered lost or abandoned when an owner cannot be located after a specific period of time; and

WHEREAS, for over four decades, the State of Maine has received millions of dollars turned over annually by entities who cannot locate the owners and has made a commitment to reuniting these financial assets to their rightful owners; and

WHEREAS, Maine has recently experienced the tragic deaths of two students in transportation-related incidents; and

WHEREAS, thousands of Maine students rely on school transportation each day to attend school and school-related activities; and

WHEREAS, these recent tragedies warrant a comprehensive review to ensure that current laws, regulations, and operating practices continue to protect students effectively; and