Executive Order - GACHA

Executive Order Governor's Advisory Council on Hispanic Affairs(GACHA)

State of Delaware
Executive Department Dover

Whereas, the State of Delaware wants to assure that the diverse interests and unique concerns of its Hispanic population are well served; and

Whereas, through input from and communication with the Hispanic community, the various agencies of State government can improve the delivery of services to the Hispanic population and foster greater integration of Delaware's Spanish-speaking population into the English-speaking mainstream: and

Whereas, the rich cultural heritage of the Hispanic population contributes to Delaware's diversity which we proudly celebrate.

Now, therefore, I, Thomas R. Carper, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Delaware, do hereby declare and order the following;

1. The Governor's Council on Hispanic Affairs is hereby established to perform such duties and functions as are described herein. The Council shall consist of no fewer than 15 members but no more than 25 members who shall be broadly representative of the Hispanic community in Delaware.
2. The Chairperson shall be appointed by the Governor from among the members and shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The other officers shall be elected by the Council from among its members.
3. The terms of the members of the Governor's Council on Hispanic Affairs shall be three years. If any member fails to attend four successive meetings of the Council, his or her position may be deemed vacant and, upon recommendation of the Chairperson, the Governor may appoint a replacement. Any appointment to replace a member whose position becomes vacant prior to the expiration of the term shall be filled only for the remainder of the term.
4. The Governor's Council on Hispanic Affairs shall be comprised of standing committees on Human and Civil Rights; Health and Social Services; Legal and Legislative Affairs; Economic Development, Employment and Finance; Housing; Education; and Historical and Cultural Affairs and the Arts. Other as hoc committees shall, with the approval of a majority of the members of the Council, be formed as the need arises.
5. The duties and functions of the Council shall be:
   1. To advise the Governor and the Secretary of Health and Social Services on means to improve the delivery of services to the Hispanic community in Delaware; and
   2. To coordinate its efforts with other advisory councils, community agencies, and other groups whose work affects the Hispanic community; and
   3. To address through its committees, the Hispanic community's concerns in the areas of education, social services, housing, health, culture, history, the arts, civil and human rights, legal and legislative matters, employment, finance, and economic development; and
   4. To conduct forums and hold public hearings and/or discussion groups to identify and consider matters of concern to Delaware's Hispanic community, including migrant farmworkers: and
   5. To issue recommendations to the Governor and the Secretary of Health and Social Services concerning legislation pending in the General Assembly which is of particular interest to the Hispanic population: and
   6. To prepare an annual report of its activities for the Governor and the Secretary of Health and Social Services; and
   7. To perform such other functions and duties as assigned to it by the Governor or imposed upon it by law.