JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY 2025 AS 211 MAINE MONTH
Summary
This joint resolution recognizes February 2025 as "211 Maine Month" in honor of the 211 Maine helpline and the services it provides to residents. The resolution describes 211 Maine as a free, confidential information and referral service that helps people connect with health, financial, and human services, including interpreter support for non-English speakers. It highlights the program’s role in answering questions, directing callers to resources, and serving as a centralized access point for multiple assistance programs.
The resolution also emphasizes the breadth of 211 Maine’s work, noting its assistance with substance use and recovery resources, housing support, food assistance, heating help, emergency response, disaster-related information, and other public needs. It references the program’s service volume in 2024 and its coordination with state agencies and nonprofit partners. The measure is commemorative only; it does not create new programs, appropriations, or regulatory requirements.
Impact
The bill has no direct legal or fiscal effect on Maine statutes or state agency authority. It is a ceremonial joint resolution that formally designates February 2025 as 211 Maine Month and expresses legislative appreciation for the service’s role in connecting residents to resources. Its practical impact is limited to public recognition and awareness-raising for the 211 Maine helpline and its partner organizations.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment is strongly supportive and appreciative. The resolution frames 211 Maine as an important public-facing resource that helps residents navigate complex needs and emergencies, and it presents the program as a successful example of collaboration among government, nonprofit, and private-sector partners. No votes or committee transcripts are provided, but the text itself is uniformly positive and celebratory.
Contention
There is no apparent substantive contention in the bill text or available legislative history. Because the measure is a recognition resolution rather than a policy change, it does not appear to raise disputes over funding, mandates, or regulatory authority. Any discussion would likely center on the value of public recognition for 211 Maine and the breadth of services it provides, but no opposing views are shown in the available materials.