An Act To Make March Maine Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  Maine has one of the highest rates of childhood cancer in the nation; and

Whereas,  federal funding for childhood cancer research is historically less than 5% of the total amount allocated for cancer research; and

Whereas,  Public Law 2019, chapter 433, "An Act To Advance Children's Cancer Research in Maine," added an option on Maine's tax return form allowing a Maine taxpayer entitled to a tax refund to designate a portion of that refund to be paid into the Maine Children's Cancer Research Fund; and

Whereas,  many Maine taxpayers will file tax forms before the expiration of the 90-day period; and

Whereas,  if this Act becomes effective before March 1st, the Governor will issue a proclamation in March that will increase the public's awareness of childhood cancer and may elicit contributions by taxpayers to the Maine Children's Cancer Research Fund; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Sec. 1. 1 MRSA §150-O  is enacted to read:

§ 150-O.  Maine Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

The month of March of each year is designated as Maine Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and the Governor shall annually issue a proclamation inviting and urging the people of the State to observe the month through appropriate activities and to become informed about childhood cancer.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.