Governor's Executive Order 2005-0020: Creating the State Ethnic Advisory Councils Asian, Black, Hispanic/Latino and Pacific Islander Advisory Councils

EXECUTIVE ORDER

Creating the State Ethnic Advisory Councils Asian, Black, Hispanic/Latino and Pacific Islander Advisory Councils

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 Advisory Councils were first established through 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 important to involve constituents in assessing the responsiveness of government and to solicit constituents' recommendations on ways to improve the State's responsiveness;

WHEREAS, the State can better involve members of the ethnic community in assessing the responsiveness of government and further, help provide information regarding programs and services, and provide other assistance to Utah's ethnic community;

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

WHEREAS, the Governor and his administration are committed to a stronger outreach that will engage constituents and organizations in the ethnic community in partnerships with the State in promoting their social, cultural and economic interests;

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 the Asian, Black, Hispanic/Latino, and Pacific Islander Advisory Councils.

a. The Asian, Black, Hispanic/Latino and Pacific Islander Advisory Councils shall each consist of 11 to 15 members appointed by the Governor.

b. Each member of the Ethnic Advisory Councils may not serve more than two (2) consecutive two-year terms, and at all times shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

c. Each council shall elect a chair and vice-chair for a one-year term.

d. The Ethnic Advisory Councils shall meet at least every other month.

2. The Ethnic Advisory Councils will work to accomplish the following:

a. Gather information about the needs of the ethnic constituents of Utah for which the Stateis responsible.

b. Provide a forum for ethnic constituents to inform the Ethnic Advisory Councils about the State's response to issues.

c. Develop recommendations as to how the State can respond to issues impacting the ethnic constituents of Utah.

d. Review the State's response to recommendations provided by the Ethnic Advisory Councils.

e. Make recommendations to the State Office of Ethnic Affairs about State policy, programs, and projects and their impact on ethnic constituents.

f. Provide a list of ethnic constituents who can serve on advisory boards, commissions, and other positions in State Government.

g. Coordinate activities among the Ethnic Advisory Councils to address common issues impacting ethnic constituents.

h. Work in conjunction with the State Office of Ethnic Affairs to develop and implement a strategic plan for the State Office of Ethnic Affairs that helps State agencies meet the needs of Utah's ethnic constituents.

i. Meet with the Governor as needed to inform him on the needs of their community, report on their accomplishments, and receive feedback from the Governor.

3. Members of the Ethnic Advisory Councils serve without compensation. However, council members may be allowed meeting per diem, mileage, and travel reimbursements. All such reimbursements must be approved by the Executive Director of the Department of Community and Culture, and must be funded from the Department's existing budget.

4. This supersedes all previous Executive Orders relating to the State Ethnic Advisory Councils.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Utah. Done in Salt Lake City, Utah, this 13th day of October, 2005.

(State Seal)

Jon M. Huntsman, Jr.
Governor

ATTEST:

Gary R. Herbert
Lieutenant Governor

2005/0020