Resolve, Regarding Enhancement of Maine's Cultural Assets

Preamble. Whereas,  the Maine State Cultural Affairs Council serves a vital role in coordinating a comprehensive approach to preserving and promoting the State's cultural heritage; and

Whereas,  the Legislature seeks to strengthen its commitment to the preservation and enhancement of the State's cultural assets for the benefit of all its citizens; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Maine State Cultural Affairs Council directed to identify needs of Maine's cultural community and increase visibility of council. Resolved: That the Maine State Cultural Affairs Council, consisting of the Maine State Museum, the Maine State Library, the Maine Arts Commission, the Maine Historic Preservation Commission, the Maine State Archives, the Maine Historical Society and the Maine Humanities Council and referred to in this resolve as "the council," shall review its charge under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 27, chapter 18 and:

1. Identify ways to increase the council's visibility in State Government;

2. Solicit broad-based public input to identify the needs and aspirations of Maine's cultural community including through a series of statewide forums;

3. Develop ways to broaden citizen participation in the council;

4. Review the council's internal procedures to improve the delivery of services to the citizens of Maine and strengthen the council's image;

5. Identify ways to increase the ability of the council to attract private and public funding to benefit the citizens of Maine through enhanced cultural services; and

6. Explore ways to improve the interaction of the council with the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education and cultural affairs; and be it further

Sec. 2. Reporting date. Resolved: That no later than January 31, 2009 the council shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education and cultural affairs matters. The council shall include in a report a draft of any legislation necessary to implement its recommendations.