WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey is richly abundant with cultural and ethnic diversity, and the Hispanic community has played a very vital role in enhancing and contributing to that diversity;

WHEREAS, there are currently more than 1.1 million New Jersey residents who identify themselves as Hispanic, and that New Jersey's Hispanic population represents 13.3% of its total population; and

WHEREAS, by 2015, the State's Hispanic population is projected to exceed 1.5 million or 17% of the State's projected total population, and will thus become the largest minority group in the State;

WHEREAS, New Jersey is committed to addressing the community, economic, social, health and educational needs that are particular to the Hispanic community; and

WHEREAS, engaging in evaluation and analysis on these essential policy matters empowers the Hispanic community and its leaders to shape solutions that address the needs of all Hispanics in New Jersey;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES E. McGREEVEY, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

1. There is hereby created a Governor's Hispanic Advisory Council for Policy Development, hereafter referred to as the Hispanic Advisory Council.
   
   

2. The Hispanic Advisory Council shall be comprised of no greater than 20 members to be appointed by the Governor who will serve at the pleasure of the Governor. These members shall represent the Latino members of his Cabinet and sub-Cabinet, and/or their designees, including the following: the Commissioner of Personnel, the Commissioner of Community Affairs, the Commissioner of Human Services, the Commissioner of Education, the Commissioner of Labor, the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, the Commissioner of Corrections, the Director of the Division of State Police, and the Secretary of State. Additionally, the Governor shall appoint no fewer than seven public members from Hispanic organizations whose memberships represent the community Statewide.
   
   

3. The Chairperson of the Hispanic Advisory Council shall be selected by the Governor from among the membership of the Council. The Governor may also appoint an honorary chairperson.
   
   

4. The role of the Hispanic Advisory Council shall be to advise the Governor on substantive policy matters affecting the Hispanic community including, but not limited to, health, education, economic development, housing and urban revitalization, employment, and other public policy issues affecting Hispanics Statewide.
   
   

5. The Hispanic Advisory Council shall develop a working plan outlining its major policy concerns for action within 90 days of its first meeting. Beyond the first 90 days, the Hispanic Advisory Council shall meet periodically, but not less than quarterly, and report to the Governor no less than 45 days after each meeting on the status of the Hispanic Advisory Council's progress. The Hispanic Advisory Council shall additionally provide the Governor with information, analysis and recommendations for his consideration.
   
   

6. This Order shall take effect immediately.

GIVEN, under my hand and seal, this11th day of Aprilin the Year of Our Lord, Two Thousand Two, and of the Independence of the United States, the Two Hundred and Twenty-Six. /s/ James E. McGreevey Governor [seal]

Attest:

/s/ Paul Levinsohn
Chief Counsel to the Governor