DHR: Governor's Commission on Hispanic Affairs

The State of Maryland Executive Order 01.01.2007.18

Governor's Commission on Hispanic Affairs (Rescinds Executive Order 01.01.2003.19)

WHEREAS,: The Commission on the Concerns of Spanish-speaking People was first established by Executive Order in 1971, in recognition of the growing Spanish-speaking population of Maryland, and the State's interests in helping to maximize the potential of its constituent citizenry;
WHEREAS,: There is a need to continue and expand outreach that will engage individuals and organizations in the Hispanic community in partnerships with State government in promoting their social, cultural, and business interests, with a particular focus on community development;
WHEREAS,: Issues affecting the Hispanic community, including economic, workforce, and business development, require the attention of multiple agencies across State government;
WHEREAS,: The contributions of the growing Hispanic community to the State of Maryland have been numerous, and the Hispanic community has been a valuable asset to the State;
WHEREAS,: Education, civic participation, and leadership opportunities continue to be highly important issues to the growing Hispanic community in the State of Maryland;
WHEREAS,: There is a need for increased public awareness and public education on issues that are important to the Hispanic community in the State of Maryland;
WHEREAS,: This Administration has determined that issues related to the Hispanic community are best addressed at the highest level of the Executive Branch; and
WHEREAS,: The Administration wants to emphasize its commitment to the Hispanic people of Maryland by reauthorizing the Commission, elevating the Commission to the Governor's Office of Community Initiatives, focusing the Commission on issues related to community development, and reconstituting the Commission's membership.
NOW, THEREFORE,: I, MARTIN O'MALLEY, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME BY THE CONSITUTION AND LAWS OF MARYLAND, HEREBY RESCIND EXECUTIVE ORDER 01.01.2003.19, AND PROCLAIM THE FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:

There is a Governor's Commission on Hispanic Affairs in the Governor's Office of Community Initiatives as described in Executive Order 01.01.2007.18.
The Commission consist of the following members:
1. (1) Twenty-one voting members appointed by the Governor. The members appointed by the Governor shall reflect the diverse ancestry and national origins of the Hispanic community of Maryland, shall provide representation from different geographic regions in the State, and may also include experts on issues important to the State's Hispanic population; in the State.
2. (2) As ex-officio, nonvoting members:
  (a) A representative of the Office of the Governor;
  (b) The Secretary of Human Resources or a designee;
  (c) The Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene or a designee;
  (d) The Secretary of Housing and Community Development or a designee;
  (e) The Secretary of Business and Economic Development or a designee;
  (f) The Secretary of Labor, Licensing and Regulation or a designee;
  (g) The State Superintendent of Schools or a designee; and
  3 (h) The Secretary of Higher Education or a designee.
3. (3) Appointed members shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor for up to two consecutive four-year terms.
4. (4) The Governor shall designate a Chairperson from among the members of the Commission. The Chairperson shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The Chairperson shall be responsible for creating subcommittees to carry out the functions of the Commission.
5. (5) In the event of a vacancy on the Commission, the Governor shall appoint a successor.
6. C. Procedures.
  (1) The Commission shall meet at the call of the Chairperson at least six times each year. Notice of meetings shall be published to encourage public attendance.
  (2) A majority of Commission members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business.
  (3) The Commission may adopt such other procedures and by-laws as may be necessary to ensure the orderly transaction of business.
  (4) By June 30 of each year, the Commission shall submit an annual report to the Governor detailing its activities in the preceding calendar year, along with any appropriate recommendations.
7. D. Expenses. Members of the Commission may not receive any compensation for their services. Public members of the Commission may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties in accordance with the Standard State Travel Regulations and as provided in the State budget.
8. E. Operational Support. The Governor's Office of Community Initiatives and the Department of Human Resources shall provide support as needed to the Commission.
9. E. Operational Support. The Governor's Office of Community Initiatives and the Department of Human Resources shall provide support as needed to the Commission.
10. F. Duties. The Commission shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
  (1) Serve as an advisory body to the Governor and agencies within the Executive Department on matters relating to the Hispanic population of Maryland, including matters relating to economic, workforce, and business development;
  (2) Identify needs or problems affecting the Hispanic population and develop appropriate responses and programs;
  (3) Conduct outreach to Hispanic groups and communities in the State and communicate information to them concerning public and private programs that are beneficial to their interests;
  (4) Review and comment on any proposed federal, State, or local legislation, regulations, policies, or programs that affect the Hispanic population of Maryland;
  (5) Generally comment and make appropriate recommendations on matters affecting the health, safety, and welfare of the Hispanic population of Maryland; and
  (6) Perform any other duties that may be requested by the Governor.