COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE EXECUTIVE ORDER Subject:   Governor's Advisory Commission on Asian American Affairs      Number:   2003-8 Date:   June 22, 2003        By Direction of:   Edward G. Rendell, Governor WHEREAS, the number of Asian Americans and Asian American businesses in the Common- wealth of Pennsylvania continues to grow rapidly, and the Asian American community remains a vital part of the cultural, social, and economic environment of the Commonwealth; and WHEREAS, Asian American business, technological and educational communities have expressed great interest in doing business and pursuing educational studies in the Common- wealth of Pennsylvania and wish to be instrumental in the revitalization of the economy of the Commonwealth, including the creation of jobs and increased revenues; and WHEREAS, a bridge is needed to accommodate the connection between the vast array of human and informational resources offered by world leaders in information technology, biotechnology, and other industries in Asia arid the Asian American business community in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and WHEREAS, a forum is required within which the unique needs and issues of concern that are prevalent in the Asian American community and of value and great importance to all of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania can be articulated and addressed.         NOW, THEREFORE, I, Edward G. Rendell, Governor of the Commonwealth of Penn- sylvania, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and other laws, do hereby establish, in the Office of the Governor, the Governor's Advisory Commission on Asian American Affairs (hereinafter referred to as "Commission") as the Commonwealth's advocate agency for its Asian American citizens as hereinafter set forth.         1. Functions. The functions of the Commission shall be to:            a. Advise and make recommendations to the Governor on policies, procedures, legisla- tion, and regulations that affect the Asian, American community and that will enable the Commonwealth to be responsive to the needs of the Asian American community.            b. Develop, review, and recommend to the Governor policies in the areas of health and human services, housing, education, employment, business formation and development, public accommodations, and in contracting practices and procedures.            c. Serve as the Governor's liaison to the Asian American community on policies, pro- cedures legislation, and regulations that affect the Asian American community to ensure that State government is accessible, accountable, and responsive to the Asian American community.            d. Serve as a liaison to federal, state, and local agencies to ensure that programs affecting Asian Americans are effectively utilized and that benefits accrue equitably to members of the Asian American community.            e. Work with the Governor's Office and the Asian American community to promote legislation that ensures the equitable treatment of all citizens of the Commonwealth.            f.Serve as a resource to all departments, commissions, and agencies to ensure that they are cognizant of the needs of the Asian American community and that this community benefits in an equitable fashion from their respective services and programs.            g. Serve as a resource for community groups on Asian American issues, programs sources of funding, and compliance requirements within state government for the benefit and advancement of Asian Americans.            h. Assist local Asian American community groups in developing strategies and programs that will expand and enhance the social, cultural, and economic status of the Asian American community.            i. Work with the Administration to monitor the hiring, retention, and promotion practices of the Commonwealth as they relate to the employment of Asian Americans to ensure that there are no discriminatory employment practices within the Commonwealth.            j. Promote the cultural arts in their various forms within the Asian American community through coordinated efforts and advocacy.         2. Composition of the Commission.            a. The Commission shall consist of 15 members to be appointed by the Governor who are representatives of the Commonwealth's Asian American community and others who may make the work of the Commission more meaningful, efficient, and productive. The Governor may occasionally also appoint special members of the Commission to assist in unique cultural exchanges, economic development programs, or gubernatorial initiatives.            b. The Governor shall designate one Commission member to serve as chairperson and one to serve as vice-chairperson of the Commission. The chairperson and vice-chairperson will serve at the pleasure of the Governor.            c. The Governor shall appoint an Executive Director and a Deputy Executive Director of the Commission, who will serve at his pleasure.         3. Terms of Membership.            a. Members shall be appointed for a term of two years. All members shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.            b. Should a vacancy occur on the Commission due to resignation, disability, or death of a member, a successor may be appointed by the Governor to serve the duration of the unexpired term. A successor so appointed may thereafter be reappointed.         4. Compensation. Members of the Commission shall receive no compensation for their service except that such members may be reimbursed for actual travel and related expenses in accordance with Commonwealth policy.         5. Relationship With Other Agencies. To implement the purpose of this order, the Commission may request and receive from any department, division, board, bureau, commission, or any other agency of the state or any political subdivision thereof or public authority, such cooperation, assistance, information, and data needed by the Commission to properly carry out its powers and duties hereunder.         6. Reports. The Commission shall submit reports, as it deems necessary, on issues affecting Asian Americans in the Commonwealth.         7. Procedures.            a. The Commission is authorized to establish subcommittees and rules and procedures for the effective implementation of its functions consistent with this order.            b. The Commission may hold public hearings in order to evaluate the effectiveness of Commonwealth services and programs to the Asian American community.         8. Effective Date. This order shall take effect immediately and shall continue in effect unless revised or modified by the Governor.