WHEREAS,  the writers of the Constitution of Maine recognized that all students should have access to public education and that this education is essential to the preservation of the rights and liberties of the people; and

WHEREAS,  equity of opportunity for all students to learn, regardless of where they live in the State, has never been more important as we face workforce challenges in heritage industries and the burgeoning technology sector, as well as in future job sectors as yet unknown; and

WHEREAS,  our economic future is at risk if we fail to educate all students to their full potential, and our democratic system can thrive only if our young people are taught about the importance of civic engagement and civil interaction; and

WHEREAS,  our students of today will be responsible for developing the strategies to mitigate climate change and protect our great natural resources, including the clean air, water and forested land that drive our economy and define our way of life; and

WHEREAS,  our 3,478 miles of coastline have supported generations of men, women and children who are proud of their saltwater heritage and who will through education find new and sustainable ways to make their living on the sea; and

WHEREAS,  our forests and farms have also supported generations of men, women and children who will through education find new and sustainable ways to continue farming and making their living from the woods; and

WHEREAS,  our State's proud heritage as a home for painters, writers, musicians and crafters will be carried on by our aspiring artists who are students in public schools today; and

WHEREAS,  our next generation of educators are students in our State's classrooms today; now, therefore, be it