Executive Order  No. 409: Latino-American Advisory Commission

WHEREAS, Latino-Americans are the largest minority population in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and

WHEREAS, Latino-Americans represent a unique and diverse population in Massachusetts, bringing to our Commonwealth different cultures, histories, backgrounds and traditions; and

WHEREAS, Many Latino-Americans have overcome tremendous obstacles and hardships; and

WHEREAS, many Latino-Americans are making outstanding contributions to the educational, economic, technological, and cultural development and well-being of the Commonwealth, holding as they do values including a strong dedication to family, a lasting faith and an industrious work ethic; and

WHEREAS, many Latino-Americans continue to face challenges in their efforts to achieve social, political and economic integration, including continued discrimination and sometimes inadequate educational services, employment opportunities, affordable housing, and access to health care; and

WHEREAS, this administration places a high priority on addressing the unique concerns of the Latino-American community and promoting the enhancement of opportunities for the Commonwealth's Latino-American population; and

WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Commonwealth to promote full inclusion in government and state services by all citizens of the Commonwealth without regard to race, color, sex, language or national origin;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Argeo Paul Cellucci, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, by virtue of the power vested in me as Supreme Executive Magistrate, do hereby revoke Executive Order No. 353, create the Latino-American Advisory Commission and order as follows:

Section 1. A Latino-American Advisory Commission is hereby established to advise the Governor on matters related to Latino-American affairs;

Section 2. The Commission is authorized and directed to examine and make recommendations with regard to:

a. Matters of paramount interest and concern to the Massachusetts Latino-American Community; and

b. Appropriate means of educating the citizens of the Commonwealth regarding the unique qualities, talents, diversities and challenges of the Latino-American community; and

c. Appropriate efforts to expand and improve commercial and cultural ties with the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and

d. Appropriate efforts to expand and improve commercial and cultural ties with Latin American countries.

Section 3. The Commission shall be composed of no more than thirty (30) members designated by the Governor who shall serve at his pleasure for a term of two years. The Governor shall designate a chair. The Commission shall meet regularly on a schedule determined by the chair, including not less than two meetings each year with the Governor directly.

Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston this 22nd day of December in the year one thousand nine hundred and ninety-eight.

Argeo Paul Cellucci, Governor

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

William Francis Galvin

Secretary of the Commonwealth