EXECUTIVE ORDER 04-05
ESTABLISHING THE STATE INDEPENDENT LIVING COUNCIL
AND SUPERSEDING 93-04
WHEREAS, the purpose of the Federal Rehabilitation Act is to empower individuals with disabilities to maximize employment, economic self-sufficiency, independence, and inclusion and integration into society; and
WHEREAS, only through the establishment of a statewide independent living council is the State of Washington eligible for Rehabilitation Act funding for independent living centers and services; and
WHEREAS, on April 30, 1993, Governor Mike Lowry issued Executive Order 93-04 which, in part, established a State Independent Living Advisory Council; and
WHEREAS, individuals with disabilities in the State of Washington continue to benefit from the services provided by the federally funded independent living centers; and
WHEREAS, formation of a new, streamlined council is necessary to ensure better alignment with federal requirements, to simplify existing processes, and to enhance overall effectiveness.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gary Locke, Governor of the State of Washington, do hereby establish the State Independent Living Council, and require the following:
1. FORMATION OF COUNCIL AND MEMBERSHIP
Members of the Council shall be appointed by the Governor and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. To achieve a balanced membership on the Council, appointments shall be made with consideration given to geographic representation, gender, and ethnic and cultural diversity.
The Council shall be comprised of at least seven members, but not more than eleven members. At least five members shall be voting members. A majority of the voting members shall be individuals with disabilities who are not employees of any state agency or a center for independent living. A majority of the voting appointees shall constitute a quorum. Membership shall be as follows:
Terms of membership shall be three years, with the exception that initial appointments shall be staggered in order to assure continuity of the Council: one-third shall be appointed for one-year terms; one-third shall be appointed for two-year terms; and one-third shall be appointed for three-year terms. If a member resigns before completing a term, a new member may be appointed to serve out the remainder of that term. No member of the Council may serve more than two consecutive full terms.
A chairperson shall be designated by the members of the Council from among the voting membership of the Council. State executive and legislative appointees shall be ex officio, non-voting members of the Council.
2. ROLE OF THE COUNCIL
The Council shall fulfill the following responsibilities:
3. MEETINGS AND OTHER BUSINESS
4. DESIGNATED STATE AGENCY
The Council shall not be subject to the supervision of a state agency. However, the Department of Social and Health Services' Division of Vocational Rehabilitation shall provide administrative support to Council as follows:
5. COMPLIANCE
All aspects of the Council shall comply with, and conform to the requirements of the Federal Rehabilitation Act.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the State of Washington to be Affixed at Olympia this 30th day of July A.D., Two thousand four. | |
GARY LOCKE |
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BY THE GOVERNOR: | |
Secretary of State |