WHEREAS,  there are more than 700,000 licensed amateur radio operators in the United States and approximately 3 million worldwide; and

WHEREAS,  more than 4,500 Maine citizens hold amateur radio operators licenses; and

WHEREAS,  Maine amateur radio operators provide communications locally and statewide in times of emergency; and

WHEREAS,  Maine amateur radio operators provide these services at no cost to local and county governments, State Government and nonprofit organizations; now, therefore, be it