EXECUTIVE ORDER MJF 96-42

Statewide Independent Living Council

WHEREAS: the State of Louisiana supports the efforts of its citizens with disabilities to live independently;

WHEREAS: these Louisiana citizens can benefit from specialized services and centers which assist them and promote independent living;

WHEREAS: the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C.A. 701, et seq., includes provisions for financial assistance to promote independent living; and

WHEREAS: to receive the benefit of such assistance, the State of Louisiana must establish a Statewide Independent Living Council in accordance with federal guidelines, 29 U.S.C.A. 796(d);

NOW THEREFORE I, M.J. "MIKE" FOSTER, JR., Governor of the State of Louisiana, by virtue of the Constitution and laws of the State of Louisiana, do hereby order and direct as follows:

SECTION 1: The Governor's Statewide Independent Living Council (hereafter "council") shall be re-established and recreated within the Executive Department, Office of the Governor.

SECTION 2: The duties and functions of the council shall be as follows:

  • (A) jointly develop and sign, in conjunction with the Office of Louisiana Rehabilitation Services within the Department of Social Services, a state plan for independent living services and centers for independent living;

  • (B) monitor, review, and evaluate implementation of this state plan;

  • (C) coordinate activities with the State Rehabilitation Council and other councils which address the needs of specific disability populations and issues under federal law;

  • (D) ensure that all regularly scheduled meetings of the council are open to the public and sufficient advance notice is provided; and

  • (E) submit periodic reports to the federal government, as required by law, regulation, or rule.

    • SECTION 3: The members of the council shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The voting members of the council shall select a Chair from among its voting membership.

    SECTION 4: Members of the council shall be selected from all areas of the state and shall be knowledgeable about Centers for Independent Living and independent living services. The majority of the membership of the council shall be composed of Louisiana citizens with disabilities who represent a broad range of disabilities and who are not employed by a Center for Independent Living or any state agency.

    The council shall consist of 21 members, including:

  • (A) one voting member who is a director of a center for Independent Living selected by the directors of centers for Independent Living located within the state;

  • (B) four voting members who represent private businesses;

  • (C) one ex-officio, non-voting member from the Office of Louisiana Rehabilitation Service, Department of Social Services;

  • (D) 15 members selected from the following groups:

  • (i) voting members:

  • (a) representatives from Centers for Independent Living;

  • (b) representatives who are parents and guardians of individuals with disabilities;

  • (c) representatives who are advocates of and for individuals with disabilities; and

  • (d) representatives from organizations providing services for individuals with disabilities;

  • (ii) ex-officio, non-voting members representing state agencies that provide services for individuals with disabilities.

    • SECTION 5: Each member of the council shall serve a term of three years. No member may serve more than two consecutive full terms.

    SECTION 6: The council shall not be an entity within any state agency, but shall coordinate its activities with the Office of Disability Affairs, within the Executive Department, Office of the Governor. Nonetheless, the council shall follow all rules and regulations of the State of Louisiana, including those concerning purchasing, procurement, hiring, and ethics.

    SECTION 7: The majority of the voting membership of the council shall not be composed of individuals who receive compensation, either directly or indirectly, for work performed on behalf of any Independent Living Center.

    SECTION 8: The members of the council shall not receive compensation or a per diem for their services or their attendance at meetings. However, contingent upon the availability of funds, actual travel expenses of the members may be reimbursed, in accordance with state and federal guidelines and procedures, and upon the approval of the Commissioner of Administration.

    SECTION 9: All departments, commissions, boards, agencies, and officers of the state or of any political subdivision thereof are authorized and directed to cooperate with the council in implementing the provisions of this Order.

    SECTION 10: The provisions of this Order are effective upon signature and shall remain in effect until amended, modified, rescinded, or terminated by the Governor or terminated by operation of law.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand officially and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Louisiana, at the Capitol, in the City of Baton Rouge, on this 26th day of September, 1996.

    M.J. "Mike" Foster, Jr.
    Governor

    ATTEST BY
    THE GOVERNOR
    Fox McKeithen
    Secretary of State