State of New Jersey
Executive Order #39

Governor James E. McGreevey

WHEREAS, the Asian American community represents a large segment of the population of the State of New Jersey and contributes significantly to the economic well being and cultural richness of this State; and

WHEREAS, Asian Americans are one of the fastest growing racial groups in New Jersey and the United States; and

WHEREAS, New Jersey is committed to understanding the community, economic, social, health and educational needs and issues that are important to the Asian American population in this State;

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 the Governor's Asian American Commission, hereinafter referred to as "the Commission".

  2. The Commission shall be comprised of no greater than forty-five (45) members to be appointed by the Governor and to serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The Secretary of State, or her designee, shall be a member. The balance of the members shall represent a cross-section of the Asian American population in this State. All public members shall be appointed for a term of two (2) years and shall serve without compensation.

  3. The Chair of the Commission shall be selected by the Governor from among the membership.

  4. It shall be the charge and duty of the Commission to accomplish the following:

  5. a. Develop and coordinate statewide programs, recognizing the continuing contributions of Asian Americans in New Jersey;

    b. Draw upon the membership's shared knowledge and expertise in creating activities designed to better educate all citizens of New Jersey as to Asian American issues and culture and to promote the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by celebrating the religious, ethnic and racial diversity within this State; and

    c. Develop policies to improve the community, economic, social well-being, health and educational needs important to Asian American communities in New Jersey; and

    d. Increase awareness among Asian Americans as to governmental affairs and community and social
    service resources that may benefit Asian American individuals and communities as a whole.

  6. The Commission shall meet no less than quarterly and shall report directly to the Governor, outlining its progress and advising the Governor of the Commission's recommendations, as they relate to the charge and duties set forth above.

  7. This Order shall take effect immediately.

 


GIVEN, under my hand and seal this day of
in the Year of Our Lord, Two Thousand Two,
and of the Independence of the United States,
the Two Hundred and Twenty-Seventh.

/s/ James E. McGreevey

Governor

[seal]

Attest:

/s/ Paul A. Levinsohn

Chief Counsel to the Governor