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Governor's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs

Executive Order 01.01.2003.27

Governor's Advisory Commission on Asian-Pacific American Affairs. (Rescinds Executive Orders 01.01.1992.14 and 01.01.1999.21)

Whereas, The Governor's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs was first established by Executive Order in 1992 to assist the Governor and State agencies in responding more effectively to the needs and concerns of Maryland citizens with Ancestral heritage in Asian and Pacific Rim countries;

Whereas, The Commission has operated under its original charge for more than ten years and endeavored to represent and promote the interests of Asian Pacific Americans throughout the State;

Whereas, The Administration is committed to a stronger program of outreach that will engage individuals and organizations in the Asian Pacific American community in partnerships with State government in promoting their interests; and

Wheras, In accomplishing this goal, the Administration finds it beneficial to articulate its commitment to Marylanders of Asian Pacific heritage by reauthorizing the Commission, and reconstituting its membership.

Now, Therefore, I, ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME BY THE CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OF MARYLAND, HEREBY RESCIND EXECUTIVE ORDERS 01.01.1992.14 AND 01.01.1999.21 AND PROCLAIM THE FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:

  1. There is a Governor's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs.
  2. Within this Executive Order, the term "Asian Pacific American" means persons claiming ancestral heritage in Asian countries inclusive of the Pacific Islands and Asian subcontinent countries.
  3. Membership
    1. The Commission shall consist of up to 17 members appointed by the Governor.
    2. The members of the Commission shall be representative of the major Asian Pacific American population groups within the State.
    3. Members shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor for up to 2 consecutive 4-year terms. The terms of members shall be staggered on initial appointment pursuant to this Executive Order.
    4. The Governor shall designate a Chairperson from among the members of the Commission, with advice of the Secretary of Human Resources. The Chairperson shall hold office at the pleasure of the Governor.
    5. The Governor may remove any member of the Commission for any cause.
    6. In the event of a vacancy, the Governor shall appoint a successor
  4. Procedures.
    1. A majority of Commission members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business.
    2. The Commission may adopt such other procedures and by-laws as may be necessary to ensure the orderly transaction of business.
    3. By June 30 of each year, the Commission shall submit an annual report to the Governor and the Secretary of Human Resources detailing its activities in the preceding calendar year, along with any appropriate recommendations to promote the status of the Asian Pacific American population of Maryland.
  5. Expenses. Members of the Commission may not receive any compensation for their services, but 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.
  6. Staff Support. The State Office on Asian Pacific American Affairs of the Department of Human Resources shall provide staff support to the Commission.
  7. Duties. The Commission shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
    1. Serve in an advisory capacity to the Governor and to the State Office on Asian Pacific American Affairs within the Department of Human Resources on issues relating to the social and economic development, and the rights and interests of Asian Pacific Americans in the State;
    2. Provide assistance to the State Office in identifying needs or problems affecting Asian Pacific Americans, and in developing appropriate responses and programs;
    3. Assist the State Office in maintaining effective liaison and outreach with Asian Pacific American groups and communities in the State, and in communicating information to them concerning public and private programs that are beneficial to their interests;
    4. Promote the coordination of and, to the degree feasible, participate in the evaluation of programs and services provided by public and private sector agencies that affect the Asian Pacific American population of Maryland;
    5. Coordinate with the Department of Human Resources and the Office of the Governor in reviewing and commenting on federal, state, or local legislative proposals that affect the Asian Pacific American population of Maryland;
    6. Coordinate with the Department of Human Resources in making appropriate recommendations on matters affecting the health, safety and welfare of the Asian Pacific American population of Maryland; and
    7. Perform any other duties that may be requested by the Governor.

GIVEN Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the State of Maryland, in the City of Annapolis, this 5th Day of September, 2003.