2013 Vermont Statutes
Title 03 Appendix Executive Orders
Chapter 3 EXECUTIVE ORDERS
§ 43 Order 3-43. (No. 09-02) [Establishment of the Governor's Workforce Equity and Diversity Council

EO3-43. (No. 09-02) [Establishment of the Governor's Workforce Equity and Diversity Council

WHEREAS, the State of Vermont is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the concept of affirmative action in the practice of equal opportunity in all aspects of employment in state government; and

WHEREAS, affirmative action is a continuing commitment by the state to identify any obstacles to the employment and career advancement afforded employees of the state and to work to remove those obstacles without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, place of birth, age, physical or mental disability or condition or HIV status; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Personnel is developing a formal statewide Workforce Planning process that will capitalize on the benefits of diversity and promote a talented and skilled workforce;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, HOWARD DEAN, Governor of the State of Vermont, do hereby:

1. Appoint the Commissioner of Personnel or the Commissioner's designee as the Workforce Equity and Diversity Officer of the State of Vermont to:

a. With the approval of the Secretary of Administration, develop, implement, and monitor an affirmative action program for the State of Vermont which shall address itself to statewide issues and provide support to each agency/department of state government to ensure the independent development and implementation of agency-specific/department-specific programs tailored to its needs; and

b. Work with agencies and departments in the preparation, monitoring, and enforcement of agency-specific/department-specific affirmative action plans; and

c. Work with personnel officers, field equity and diversity officers, and ADA coordinators to ensure the availability of appropriate training and support for all agencies and departments; and

d. Ensure that affirmative action and diversity are integral parts of workforce planning and development throughout the executive branch.

2. Create a Governor's Workforce Equity and Diversity Council, which shall:

a. Consist of not more than fifteen (15) members to include one representative from each of the following;

Department of Personnel

Vermont State Employees' Association

Attorney General's Office

Commission on Women

Department of Aging and Disabilities

These members of the Council shall be appointed by their respective agencies. The remainder of the Council shall consist of three (3) at-large state government executive branch employees, and seven (7) public members who belong to historically disadvantaged groups or who work for organizations that advocate for such groups, and shall be appointed by the Governor. Each year the Council shall elect two members to serve as chair and vice-chair or as co-chairs of the Council; and

b. The term of office for Council members shall be two (2) years, with members serving at the pleasure of the Governor. Initial terms will be staggered, with seven initial gubernatorial appointments being made for three year terms. All subsequent terms shall be for two years. The Council shall be attached to the Department of Personnel for the purposes of obtaining assistance with scheduling, taking minutes, maintaining files, and similar administrative support. Council members shall receive reimbursement for mileage and necessary expenses, including meals and reasonable accommodations; and

c. The Council shall consult with and advise the Commissioner of Personnel and the Secretary of Administration with regard to the development, implementation, and maintenance of the state's Affirmative Action Program and report on the integration of diversity issues with statewide planning and development efforts; and

d. The Council shall meet on a regular basis to ensure ongoing coordination of efforts, monitoring of activities against goals and objectives, and compliance with applicable federal and state mandates and the state/VSEA contract; and

e. The Council may establish ad hoc subcommittees and appoint advisors as needed to address specific issues that may arise.

3. Require the Commissioner of Personnel, with the assistance of the State Governor's Workforce Equity and Diversity Council:

a. To submit an annual report the Governor as to the progress of the current year's affirmative action plan on January 15; and

b. To submit the state's affirmative action plan for the next fiscal year by April 30th for approval by the Governor.

The Executive Order supersedes Executive Order #14-98, which is hereby rescinded.

This Executive Order shall take effect upon signing.

Dated August 20, 2002.