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EXECUTIVE ORDER No.2005 - 6

GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF COMMUNITY AND FAITH-BASED INITIATIVES

WHEREAS, under Section 1 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963, the executive power is vested in the Governor;

WHEREAS, under Section 8 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 each principal department of state government is under the supervision of the Governor unless otherwise provided by the Constitution;

WHEREAS, under Section 8 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963, the Governor is responsible to take care that the laws be faithfully executed;

WHEREAS, under Section 8 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963, the Governor shall transact all necessary business with the officers of state government and may require information in writing from all executive and administrative state officers, elective and appointive, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices;

WHEREAS, the State of Michigan benefits from a rich diversity of community and faith-based organizations that provide crucial aid to many Michigan residents, including assistance for the needy, children, families, and neighborhoods;

WHEREAS, committed volunteers in community and faith-based organizations bring unique skills, services, and resources to bear in assisting Michigan residents;

WHEREAS, many community and faith-based organizations lack the organizational resources to effectively engage government agencies in collaborative projects to help meet the needs of Michigan residents;

WHEREAS, community and faith-based organizations can assist the State of Michigan in addressing unmet human services needs, and in enhancing the quality of life for Michigan residents;

WHEREAS, it is beneficial to encourage communication between governmental entities and community and faith-based organizations, recognizing the importance of sharing information about, and encouraging the best practices of, community and faith-based organizations;

WHEREAS, in light of current fiscal conditions, state government must ensure that its efforts to assist community and faith-based programs and organizations are as strong, coordinated, and effective as feasible;

WHEREAS, there are many opportunities for community and faith based organizations to partner with governmental entities;

WHEREAS it is in the State of Michigan’s best interest to maximize financial support it receives from the federal government by working with the network of programs authorized under the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 related to services provided by charitable, religious, or private organizations;

WHEREAS, the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 authorizes state governments to contract with faith-based organizations and allows faith-based organizations to accept government assistance provided under the Act on the same basis as secular organizations;

WHEREAS, Michigan residents can benefit from a comprehensive and coordinated effort to improve and strengthen community and faith-based organizations in our state;

WHEREAS, the effort to support community and faith-based organizations in Michigan should be facilitated by having a prominent office with a direct relationship to the Governor;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, order:

  1. DEFINITIONS

    As used in this Order:

    1. “Department of Human Services” or “Department” means the principal department of state government created as the Department of Social Services by Section 450 of the Executive Organization Act of 1965, 1965 PA 380, MCL 16.550, renamed the Family Independence Agency by 1995 PA 223, MCL 400.1, and renamed the Department of Human Services by Executive Order 2004-38.

    2. “Office” means the Governor’s Office of Community and Faith-Based Initiatives created within the Department under this Order.

  2. CREATION OF GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF COMMUNITY AND FAITH-BASED INITIATIVES

    1. To facilitate communication and collaboration between community and faith-based organizations and government agencies in Michigan, the Governor’s Office of Community and Faith-Based Initiatives is established within the Department of Human Services.

    2. The Office shall be administered under the supervision of the Department but shall exercise its powers, duties, and functions independently of the Director of the Department.  Any budgeting, procurement, and related management functions of the Office shall be performed under the direction and supervision of the Director of the Department.

    3. The Office shall be managed by a Director who shall be selected by the Governor.  The Director of the Office shall serve as a liaison between the Governor and community and faith-based organizations.

  3. FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF COMMUNITY AND FAITH-BASED INITIATIVES

    1. The Office shall:

      1. Advise the Governor on policies, priorities, and objectives for state government activities to enlist, equip, enable, empower, and expand the work of community and faith-based organizations to address social needs in Michigan, to enhance partnerships with governmental entities, and to replicate successful community and faith-based programs.  The Office shall provide other information, recommendations, or advice as requested by the Governor.

      2. Facilitate coordination of state government efforts relating to community and faith-based initiatives, expand opportunities for community and faith-based organizations to address social needs in Michigan, and identify obstacles to effective and efficient collaboration.

      3. Provide a single point of contact for community and faith-based organizations to receive information, assistance, and referrals related to community and faith-based programs within state government.

      4. Work closely with community and faith-based organizations to promote service activities and assist the organizations in identifying and applying for federal grants.

      5. Identify, promote, and share innovative and model community and faith-based programs, initiatives, and best practices among community and faith-based organizations.

      6. Seek financial support for the community and faith-based efforts of state government and for community and faith-based programs and services, including, but not limited to, application for funding to the Corporation for National and Community Service and other entities that administer federal grants to support the objectives established by the Office for community and faith-based programs.

      7. Provide technical assistance, education, information, and other support to community and faith-based organizations.

      8. Coordinate efforts with the Michigan Community Service Commission and other state departments and agencies as appropriate.

    2. Subject to available funding, the Office may hire or retain 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 Office and the performance of its duties as the Director of the Office deems advisable and necessary, in accordance with this Order, and the relevant statutes, rules, and procedures of the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Management and Budget.

    3. The Office may accept donations of labor, services, or other things of value from any public or private agency, person, or entity.

    4. State departments and agencies shall assist the Office in the performance of its duties under this Order.

  4. LIMITATIONS ON ACTIVITIES AND USE OF FUNDS

    1. The Office shall not engage in any activity prohibited by Section 4 of Article I of the Michigan Constitution of 1963.

    2. The Office shall not engage in activity prohibited by Section 2 of Article VIII of the Michigan Constitution of 1963.

    3. No funds provided directly to institutions or organizations to provide services and administer programs under Section 104(a)(1)(A) of the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 may be expended for sectarian worship, instruction, or proselytization.

  5. MISCELLANEOUS

    1. Nothing in this Order shall be construed to change the organization of the executive branch of state government or the assignment of functions among its units in a manner requiring the force of law.

    2. Any suit, action, or other proceeding lawfully commenced by, against, or before any entity affected by this Order shall not abate by reason of the taking effect of this Order.

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

This Order is effective March 15, 2005.

Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of Michigan this 14th day of March, in the year of our Lord, two thousand and five.

__________________________________________
JENNIFER M. GRANHOLM
GOVERNOR

BY THE GOVERNOR:
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SECRETARY OF STATE