WHEREAS, Article V, Section 1 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 vests the executive power of the State of Michigan in the Governor;

WHEREAS, Section 1 of 1931 PA 195, MCL 10.51, authorizes and empowers the Governor, at such times and for such purposes as the Governor deems necessary or advisable, to create special advisory bodies consisting of as many members as the Governor deems appropriate;

WHEREAS, there is a continuing need to improve the economy of the State of Michigan and to encourage actions that increase employment and business activity;

WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of Michigan is continually faced with policy decisions that impact the economy;

WHEREAS, it is crucial that the Governor is able to access the best advice and latest findings in making economic policy decisions;

WHEREAS, a council of economic advisors drawn from members of academia, business, labor, and government can monitor economic conditions, provide an informed view of the economic impact of policy decisions, and make recommendations to the Governor on economic issues;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, pursuant to the powers vested in me by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, order the following:

I. GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISORS

A. The Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors (“Council”) is created as an advisory body within the Department of Consumer and Industry Services.

B. The Governor shall appoint 47 members to the Council. Of the initial members appointed by the Governor, 16 members shall be appointed to 2-year terms, 16 members shall be appointed to 3-year terms, and 15 members shall be appointed to 4-year terms. After the initial appointments, members of the Council shall be appointed to 4-year terms. A vacancy on the Council shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

C. The Director of the Department of Consumer and Industry Services, the Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and the State Treasurer, or their designees, shall serve as ex officio, non-voting members of the Council.

II. CHARGE TO THE COUNCIL

A. The Council shall act in an advisory capacity to the Governor and shall do all of the following:

1. Gather timely and authoritative information concerning economic developments and economic trends, both current and prospective, including but not limited to the current and projected economic outlook for the State of Michigan, the region, the nation, and the international economy.

2. Analyze and interpret economic development and economic trends for the purpose of determining whether the trends interfere, or are likely to interfere, with the achievement of economic policy objectives.

3. Evaluate the various programs and activities of state government to determine the extent they contribute, and the extent they impede, the achievement of economic policy objectives that have a significant positive economic impact for Michigan residents, businesses, and workers.

4. Develop and recommend to the Governor economic policies that promote job creation and economic growth and that diminish the effect of economic fluctuation.

5. Provide other information or advice regarding the economy or economic policy as requested by the Governor.

III. OPERATIONS OF THE COUNCIL

A. The Director of the Department of Consumer and Industry Services, or his or her designee, shall serve as the Chairperson of the Council.

B. The Chairperson shall select from among the members of the Council a Vice-Chairperson and a Secretary. Council staff shall assist the Secretary with recordkeeping responsibilities.

C. The Council shall be staffed by personnel from and be assisted by the Department of Consumer and Industry Services.

D. The Council may adopt procedures, not inconsistent with Michigan law and this Order, governing its organization and operations. The Council may establish committees and request public participation on advisory panels as it deems necessary.

E. The Council shall meet at the call of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson, or other designee of the Chairperson, and as may be provided in procedures adopted by the Council.

F. The Council shall act by a majority vote of its serving members. A majority of the members present and voting constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business of the Council at a meeting.

G. In developing recommendations, the Council may, as appropriate, make inquiries, studies, investigations, hold hearings, and receive comments from the public. The Council may consult with outside experts in order to perform its duties, including but not limited to experts in the private sector, organized labor, government agencies, and institutions of higher education.

H. Members of the Council shall serve without compensation. Members of the Council may receive reimbursement for necessary travel and expenses according to relevant statutes and the rules and procedures of the Department of Management and Budget and the Civil Service Commission, subject to available appropriations.

I. The Council may hire or retain such contractors, sub-contractors, advisors, consultants and agents, and may make and enter into contracts necessary or incidental to the exercise of the powers of the Council and the performance of its duties as the Director of the Department of Consumer and Industry Services deems advisable and necessary, in accordance with the relevant statutes, rules, and procedures of the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Management and Budget.

J. The Council may accept donations of labor, services, or other things of value from any public or private agency or person.

K. Members of the Council shall refer all legal, legislative, and media contacts to the Director of the Department of Consumer and Industry Services.

IV. MISCELLANEOUS

A. All departments, committees, commissioners, or officers of this state or of any political subdivision of this state shall give to the Council, or to any member or representative of the Council, any necessary assistance required by the Council, or any member or representative of the Council, in the performance of the duties of the Council so far as is compatible with its, his, or her duties. Free access shall also be given to any books, records, or documents in its, his, or her custody, relating to matters within the scope of inquiry, study, or investigation of the Council.

B. The invalidity of any portion of this Order shall not affect the validity of the remainder the order.

This Order is effective upon filing.
Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of Michigan this 30th day of July, 2003.

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Jennifer M. Granholm
GOVERNOR

BY THE GOVERNOR:

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SECRETARY OF STATE