Executive Order 13 (2009)

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE
ECONOMIC RECOVERY ADVISORY COMMISSION

WHEREAS, as Governor of the State of Illinois, it is my duty to enhance Illinois’ competitiveness in the global economy and to take any and all reasonable steps to ensure a vibrant and growing economy; and

WHEREAS, the severe downturn in our national economic climate has adversely impacted Illinois families, businesses, and jobs; and

WHEREAS, the unemployment rate is currently at 9.4% and will continue to rise without immediate measures; and

WHEREAS, the general decline in the economy has resulted in a concomitant decline in the state’s revenue, causing unprecedented imbalance in the state’s budget;

THEREFORE, I, Patrick J. Quinn, Governor of Illinois, pursuant to the authority vested in me by Article V of the Illinois State Constitution of 1970, hereby order as follows:

1. CREATION
   
   There is hereby created the Economic Recovery Advisory Commission (hereinafter "Commission") as an independent advisory body having the duties set forth in this document, with respect to the Office of the Governor.
   
   
2. PURPOSE
   
   In pursuit of the goals of incenting economic growth, decreasing unemployment, attracting new business enterprises, strengthening existing business enterprises, and ensuring long-term economic stability, the Commission shall:
   1. Conduct a wide-ranging study of policies enacted elsewhere in the United States and the rest of the world on implementing policies which will allow for rapid economic recovery;
      
      
   2. Analyze Illinois’ existing tax and regulatory structure with the aim of identifying opportunities to enhance the economic climate for business and job creation
      
      
   3. Provide independent, nonpartisan information, analysis, and advice to the Governor as he formulates and implements his plans for economic recovery; and
      
      
   4. Submit to the Governor and to the People of Illinois, not later than September 1, 2009, a report outlining its findings and recommendations of policies to promote the growth of Illinois’ economy and ensure competitiveness in a 21st century economy;
      
      
   5. Ensure, with the logistical assistance of the Office of the Governor, that the report and recommendations of the Commission are available to the public; and
      
      
3. MEMBERSHIP
   
   The Commission shall be composed of a Chairperson and at least 12 Commission Members. The Chairperson and the Commission members shall be appointed by the Governor. Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation
   
   
4. TRANSPARENCY
   
   In addition to whatever policies or procedures it may adopt, all operations of the Commission will be subject to the provisions of the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.) and the Illinois Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/1 et seq.). This section shall not be construed so as to preclude other statutes from applying to the Commission and its activities.
5. EFFECTIVE DATE
   
   This Order shall take effect immediately upon its execution.

Issued by Governor: June 26, 2009

Filed with Secretary of State: June 26, 2009