Governor's Executive Order 2005-0019: Creating the State Office of Ethnic Affairs

EXECUTIVE ORDER

Creating the State Office of Ethnic Affairs

WHEREAS, the character of Utah has been shaped by the diverse ethnic nationalities, who have settled within the State, and this diversity is the very fiber that has allowed us to grow, prosper and succeed as a State;

WHEREAS, the State Ethnic Offices were first established by Executive Order in 1972, in recognition of the fast-growing ethnic population in Utah;

WHEREAS, the State has an interest in helping maximize the potential of its constituents by remaining responsive to the needs of the ethnic community;

WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the State to address issues of concern that impact the ethnic community by promoting inclusiveness and cultivating a high level of trust between State government and the ethnic community; and

WHEREAS, the Governor and his administration support the State Office of Ethnic Affairs' mission to ensure Utah State government adequately meets the needs of Utah's ethnic community;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., Governor of the State of Utah, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Utah, do hereby order the following:

1. There is created within the Department of Community and Culture the State Office of Ethnic Affairs. The Governor shall appoint a director for the State Office of Ethnic Affairs and a director for Asian, Black, Hispanic/Latino and Pacific Islander Affairs, who shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

2. The State Office of Ethnic Affairs will work to accomplish the following:

a. Promote institutional change by partnering with State agencies to assure equity and access to culturally competent programs and services, and to review their policies, practices, procedures and to make needed recommendations that will ensure proper delivery of State services and resources to the ethnic community.

b. Partner with State agencies to ensure proper outreach and response to the ethnic community about State government's programs and resources.

c. Develop a strategic plan setting goals and defining deliverables that will directly impact and address the needs of the ethnic community.

d. Advise State government on issues of cultural competence so it can increase its level of responsiveness to ethnic constituents.

e. Meet with the Asian, Black, Hispanic/Latino, and Pacific Islander Advisory Councils on a regular basis to address each council's findings and recommendations regarding State government's level of responsiveness to the ethnic community.

f. Report to the Governor's Office as needed about State government's responsiveness to the ethnic community of Utah and other issues impacting these constituents.

3. The directors shall work closely with State agencies to coordinate projects, resources, and activities targeted to better serve the ethnic community.

4. The Executive Director of the Department of Community and Culture shall supervise and administer the Office of Ethnic Affairs.

5. The Director of the Office of Ethnic Affairs, within the Department of Community and Culture, shall supervise the directors of the Asian, Black, Hispanic/Latino, and Pacific Islander Affairs and Staff.

6. The Department of Community and Culture shall provide office space and necessary administrative support to assist the directors in performing their duties. The executive director of the Department of Community and Culture shall determine the types and kind of support.

7. Funding for the State of Office of Ethnic Affairs shall be contingent upon appropriations from the Utah State Legislature.

8. This supersedes all previous Executive Orders relating to the State Ethnic Offices.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and cause to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Utah. Done in Salt Lake City, Utah, this 6th day of October, 2005.

(State Seal)

Jon M. Huntsman, Jr.
Governor

ATTEST:

Gary R. Herbert
Lieutenant Governor

2005/0019