Executive Orders
THE STATE OF TEXAS EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR--AUSTIN,
TEXAS EXECUTIVE ORDER GWB 99-1
RELATING TO THE CONTINUATION OF THE TEXAS COMMISSION ON VOLUNTEERISM AND
COMMUNITY SERVICE.
WHEREAS, Texans are a dedicated, selfless people who successfully marshal
volunteer resources to meet crises and serve their fellow citizens; and
WHEREAS, genuine volunteerism encourages a sense of steward ship with one's
community and helps foster a more responsible and enterprising citizenry;
and
WHEREAS, Texas can benefit from a comprehensive and coordinated effort
to (i) improve an strengthen the state's volunteerism and community service
infrastructure, (ii) maximize the utilization of available resources, and
(iii) cultivate volunteer service opportunities that address the state's pressing
needs; and
WHEREAS, Congress passed and the President signed the National and Community
services Trust Act of 19993 (the "Act") to reward community service with education
grants; and
WHEREAS, Texas Has designated the Texas Commission on Volunteerism and
Community Service ("TxCVCS") to serve as the state's administrative vehicle
under the Act, and to oversee Texas' participation in programs authorized
and appropriated by the Corporation for National and Community Services; and
WHEREAS, in 1995, the 74th Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1863 (now
Codified as Texas Labor Code §302.021), which consolidated several job-training,
employment, and employment-related educational programs and functions, including
programs under the Act, under the authority of the Division of Workforce Development
of the Texas Workforce Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, I GEORGE W. BUSH, GOVERNOR OF TEXAS, by virtue of the power
vested in me, do hereby order that TxCVCS is hereby continued, and, aside
from any additional duties prescribed by the Act, is charged with the following
responsibilities:
1. Serving as the states liaison to the Corporation for National and Community
Service, applying for funding under the Act, overseeing Texas' participation
in the relevant programs, and preparing a comprehensive national and community
service plan for the state that shall be updated annually;
2. Provident technical assistance, education, information, and other support
to Texas' extensive volunteer community, and improving and strengthening the
state's volunteerism and community service infrastructure.
3. Promoting innovative and model programs and initiatives that address
Texas' educational, public safety, human, and environmental needs;
4. Working closely with faith-based and private charities, community-based
groups, voluntary associations, educational entities, and other organizations
to promote volunteerism and community service based not on the institutions
of government, but on the institutions of civil society, and to:
(a) encourage community services and volunteer participation as a means
of community and state problem solving;
(b) promote and support voluntary citizen involvement in various programs
throughout the state;
5. Assuming the functions of the Governor's Office of Volunteerism; preparing
and presenting the annual Governor's Volunteer Leadership Conference and the
annual Governor's Volunteer Awards; coordinating statewide activities of the
Texas Pledge-Keeping America's Promise; coordinating a statewide Texas Mentoring
Initiative; promoting activities that complement the state's Lone Star Leaders
initiative; promoting youth service and youth service leadership through the
creation, training and operational support of a network of youth service councils;
and supporting other volunteerism-related efforts throughout Texas.
TxCVCS shall remain housed under the authority of the Texas Workforce Commission's
Division of Workforce Development, pursuant to §302.021 of the Texas
Labor Code. TXCVCS shall continue to accomplish its responsibilities and charges
under the direction of, and in cooperation with, the Texas Workforce Commission,
which renders administrative and programmatic oversight pursuant to §
302.002 of the Texas Labor Code. While exercising ultimate supervision over
TxCVCS' fiscal, personnel, and legal matters, the Workforce Commission is
directed to recognize TxCVCS' unique status as a federally-authorized and
-funded entity with its own Governor-appointed slate of commissioners.
The total number of voting members on TxCVCS shall be 15, of which no more
than 50 percent plus one can be from the same political party. All commissioners
shall serve three-year terms. Members may be reappointed and serve up to two
consecutive terms. The voting members of TxCVCS who are officers or employees
of the state shall not exceed 25 percent (reduced to the nearest whole number)
of the total membership. The Governor may replace a TxCVCS commissioner who
misses three scheduled meetings. The voting member of TxCVCS shall elect annually
on of its voting members to serve as chairperson.
Pursuant to federal law, TxCVCS shall include the following voting members
and such other voting members as the Governor may appoint:
1. An individual with expertise in the educational, training, and development
needs of youth, particularly disadvantaged youth;
2. An individual with expertise in promoting involvement of senior citizens
in service and volunteerism;
3. A representative of community-based organizations within the state;
4. The commissioner of the Texas Education Agency;
5. A representative of local governments in the state;
6. A representative of local labor unions in the state;
7. A representative of business;
8. An individual between the ages of 16 and 25 who is a participant or
supervisor in a service program; and
9. A representative of a national service program.
The Governor may also appoint as ex officio, nonvoting members of TxCVCS
representatives selected from among officers and employees of state agencies
involved with or operating community service, youth service, education, social
service, senior service, and job training programs, Nonvoting member shall
serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
A member of TxCVCS shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed
by the Texas Workforce Commission for reasonable and necessary travel expenses
incurred while performing approved TxCVCS duties, as provided in the General
Appropriations Act.
George W. Bush, Governor of Texas
Filed: September 9, 1999
George W. Bush, Governor of Texas
Filed: September 9, 1999
THE STATE OF TEXAS EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR-AUSTIN,
TEXAS EXECUTIVE ORDER GWB 99-2
RELATING TO COMMUNITY-BASED ALTERNATIVES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
WHEREAS, The State of Texas Is committed to providing community-based alternatives
for people with disabilities and recognizes that such services advance the
best interests of all Texans; and
WHEREAS, Texas seeks to ensure that Texas' community-based programs effectively
foster independence and acceptance of people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, programs such as Community Based Alternatives and Home and Community
Services provide the opportunity for people to live productive lives in their
home communities; and
WHEREAS, as Governor, I have been a consistent advocate for increasing
funds to expand community-based services for the elderly and people with disabilities
and, working with the Legislature, have increased funding for such programs
by more than $1.7 billion, a 72 percent increase, since taking office; and
WHEREAS, the 76th Legislature has provided funding to allow an additional
15,000 Texans to live outside of institutional settings through our Medicaid
waiver and non-waiver community services; and
WHEREAS, Texas must build upon its success and undertake a broader review
of our programs for people with disabilities and ensure services offered are
in the most appropriate setting.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, GOVERNOR OF TEXAS, by virtue of the
power vested in me, do hereby order the following directives:
1. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) shall conduct
a comprehensive review of all services and support systems available to people
with disabilities in Texas. This review shall analyze the availability, application,
and efficacy of existing community-based alternative for people with disabilities.
The review shall focus on identifying affected populations, improving the
flow of information about supports in the community, and removing barriers
that impede opportunities for community placement. The review shall examine
these issues in light of the recent United States Supreme Court decision in
Olmstead v. Zimring.
2. HHSC shall ensure the involvement of consumers, advocates, providers
and relevant agency representatives in this review.
3. HHSC shall submit a comprehensive written report of its findings to
the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House, and the appropriate
committees of the 77th Legislature no later than January 9, 2001. The report
will include specific recommendations on how Texas can improve its community-based
programs for people with disabilities by legislative or administrative action.
4. All affected agencies and other public entities shall cooperate fully
with HHSC's research, analysis, and production of the report. This report
should be made available electronically.
5. Ass opportunities for system improvements are identified, HHSC shall
use its statutory authority to effect appropriate changes.
George W. Bush, Governor of Texas
Filed: September 28, 1999
THE STATE OF TEXAS EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR-AUSTIN,
TEXAS EXECUTIVE ORDER GWB 99-3
RELATING TO CONTINUING THE GOVERNOR'S COMMISSION FOR WOMEN
WHEREAS, more than half the population of our nation and this state are
women;
WHEREAS, it is imperative that the potential of all citizens be utilized
to the fullest extent without regard to sex, race, religion, national origin,
marital or parental status;
WHEREAS, this administration has a sincere and firm commitment to the goals
of achieving equal legal, economic, political, educational, and social opportunity
and advancement of women;
WHEREAS, the achievement of these goals is facilitated by continuing and
redirecting the Governor's Commission for Women;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF TEXAS under
the authority vested in me, do hereby order that the Governor's Commission
for Women, hereafter referred to as the Commission, is continued without interruption.
The Commission will consist of no more than fifteen (15) members appointed
by the Governor for a two-year. Members shall serve at the pleasure of the
Governor. The Governor shall designate a Chair and Vice-Chair form the membership
who shall hold such designations at the pleasure of the Governor. The Governor
shall appoint and executive director who shall assist the Commission as it
adopts rules and procedures and develops and implements activities consistent
with the provisions of the executive order.
The Commission shall have as its principal charge the achievement of the
following:
(a) Identify and research key issues facing and affecting the women of
Texas today;
(b) Assess and develop strategies and projects-including community outreach
activities, public-private partnerships, and coordination of community and
state resources-to increase the awareness of, and enhance sensitivities to,
these previously identified issues;
(c) Organize, coordinate and host the Texas Hall of Fame Awards Dinner,
which recognizes and honors outstanding women in Texas; and
(d) Establish a State Agency Council to assist the Commission in fulfilling
its charge.
The Commission shall make a biennial written report of its findings, activities,
and recommendations to the Governor.
The Commission shall meet quarterly or at the call of the Chair. A majority
of the membership shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting
the business of the Commission
The members of the Commission shall serve without salary.
All agencies of state and local government are hereby directed to cooperate
and assist the Commission in the performance of duties.
This Executive Order shall be effective immediately and shall remain in
full force and effect until modified, amended, or rescinded by me.
George W. Bush, Governor of Texas
Filed: September 28, 1999