Executive Order  No. 498: Establishing the Governor's Council of Economic Advisors

WHEREAS, the quality of life of Massachusetts' residents is linked inextricably to the vitality of the Massachusetts economy;

WHEREAS, Massachusetts is home to some of the world's most innovative economic sectors, including life sciences, clean energy, information technology, healthcare, defense technologies, financial services and education;

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth's economic future depends on the growth of its existing businesses, the development of new businesses and industries, and the Commonwealth's ability to adapt to and remain competitive in today's global economy; and

WHEREAS, maintaining the Commonwealth's economic competitiveness requires a detailed understanding of national and international economic and business conditions and trends;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Deval L. Patrick, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution, Part 2, c. 2, § I, Art. I, do hereby revoke Executive Order No. 419 and order as follows:

Section 1. There is hereby established the Governor's Council of Economic Advisors (the "Council").

Section 2. The Council shall advise the Governor on matters relating to the state of the Massachusetts economy. Specifically, the Council shall assess local, national and global economic and business conditions and trends, evaluate the significance of those conditions and trends for the Commonwealth's economic development strategy, and explore related topics of concern to the Governor.

Section 3. The Governor or his designee shall Chair the Council. The remaining members of the Council shall be appointed by the Governor and shall include people knowledgeable and experienced in national and international economic and business conditions and trends. At the Chair's invitation, members of the Governor's Development Cabinet may also attend the Council meetings, but the work of the Council shall be performed by its members. The Governor or his designee may direct the Council to form subcommittees to focus on particular challenges facing the Massachusetts economy. These subcommittees shall carry out the functions assigned to them and report to the Council as directed.

Section 4. All Council members shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor, without compensation, without reimbursement for expenses, and only in an advisory capacity. The Council shall meet at such times and places as the Governor or his designee shall direct.

Section 5. The Council's scope of authority shall be limited to providing advice to the Governor. The Council shall not have any official authority over any state agencies nor shall it receive, expend or control public funds.

Section 6. This Executive Order shall continue in effect until amended, superseded, or revoked by subsequent Executive Order.

Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston this 10th day of March in the year of our Lord two thousand and eight and of the Independence of the United States, two hundred and thirty-two.

DEVAL L. PATRICK
GOVERNOR
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN
Secretary of the Commonwealth