This bill would fund the Maine Bicentennial Commission with a one-time appropriation of $75,000 in FY18-19 to the Maine State Cultural Affairs Council for staff support and other expenses. The Bicentennial Commission was created in 2017 to plan for the observance and celebration of Maine’s 200th year of statehood in 2020 and coordinate programs and activities planned for the observance. Although this funding bill has not been passed (it awaits final action in committee should there be a Special Session), the Commission is actively working. The MTA is serving on the commission, and this observance should provide great marketing opportunities for the tourism industry.