WHEREAS, the State of Maine is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and visiting the state; and

WHEREAS, Community Risk Reduction is a proactive and comprehensive approach to identify, assess and mitigate risks such as fires, falls, car accidents and more; and

WHEREAS, Maine’s 207 area code has become a well-recognized aspect of our state's collective identity and is a source of pride; and

WHEREAS, in celebration of Maine’s unique status as one of only 11 states with a single area code, Portland Downtown launched 2-0-7 Day in 2022 to promote Portland’s small business community and provide a new exciting event for residents during a traditionally slower time in Maine’s economy; and

WHEREAS, the United Nations General Assembly has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, recognizing the vital role women play in agriculture, food production, and sustaining rural economies worldwide; and

WHEREAS, this designation provides an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the essential contributions of women in agriculture, raise awareness about the challenges they face – including access to land, credit, training, and technology – and encourage policies and investments that empower women farmers; and

WHEREAS, Tuesday, January 27, 2026 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which marks the 81st anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp; and

WHEREAS, this is a day of remembrance for the six million Jews who were murdered by Nazi Germany between 1933 and 1945; and

WHEREAS, on this anniversary, the State of Maine recommits itself to combatting the global rise in anti-Semitism; and

WHEREAS, for over 250 years, the Portland Fire Department has protected the City and its residents by fighting fires, responding to accidents, assisting with medical emergencies, and much more; and

WHEREAS, Portland firefighters display immense courage and bravery daily as they run toward danger to protect residents and help them in their times of need; and

WHEREAS, the State of Maine continues to experience a prolonged period of below-average cold temperatures, which has significantly increased heating demand for residences and businesses; and

WHEREAS, the increased heating demand has resulted in delivery backlogs by heating fuel delivery crews statewide; and

WHEREAS, rail deliveries of propane into Maine have been delayed due to shorter work weeks over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays; and

WHEREAS, on January 6, 2021, an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol attempted to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election results; and

WHEREAS, 140 police officers were criminally assaulted by rioters, including one officer who suffered two strokes after being attacked and tragically passed away the following night, and four officers who have since died by suicide; and

WHEREAS, it is critical that all Maine students are afforded the opportunity to receive a quality education in our public schools; and

WHEREAS, a strong and effective public school system is essential for Maine's workforce and ensures that we continue to make social, technological, and scientific advancements; and