WHEREAS, older adults contribute expertise, time, wisdom, and experience to our great State and deserve to be treated with respect and dignity; and

WHEREAS, June 15th marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older adults and recognize the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue; and

WHEREAS, Maine communities endured severe damage from record-breaking riverine flooding, coastal storm surge, and high winds during three extreme storm events striking in rapid succession between December 18, 2023 and January 13, 2024;