April 15, 2008, Introduced by Senators GARCIA, VAN WOERKOM, HARDIMAN, JANSEN and KAHN and referred to the Committee on Local, Urban and State Affairs.
A bill to amend 1975 PA 164, entitled
"An act to create a commission on Spanish-speaking affairs, an
office of Spanish-speaking affairs, and an interagency council on
Spanish-speaking affairs; to prescribe their powers and duties; to
provide for appropriations; and to abolish the advisory council for
the Spanish-speaking,"
by amending sections 1, 2, and 3 (MCL 18.301, 18.302, and 18.303),
section 2 as amended by 2004 PA 94.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:
Sec. 1. As used in this act:
(a) "Commission" means the commission on Spanish-speaking
affairs created in section 2.
(b) "Director" means the director of the office of Spanish-
speaking affairs.
(c) "Office" means the office of Spanish-speaking affairs as
created in section 4.
(d)
"Spanish-speaking people" means a person, including a
migrant
agricultural worker, who: has a Spanish surname; has a
parent
or grandparent of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central
American,
South American, or other Spanish origin or descent; uses
includes people who use Spanish as the primary language or mother
tongue, ;
is are identified by an employer in an EEO-1 report as a
"Spanish-surnamed
American", ; or is
regarded in the community as
being
of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central American, South
American,
or other Spanish origin or descent are
members or are
regarded as being members of a community that uses Spanish as the
primary language.
Sec. 2. (1) A commission on Spanish-speaking affairs is
established within the department of labor and economic growth. The
commission shall consist of 15 members appointed by the governor by
and with the advice and consent of the senate. The commission shall
elect a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and other officers from its
members as it deems advisable.
(2)
Members of the commission shall be Spanish-speaking. and
of
Spanish-speaking origin. Members
shall be appointed from urban,
suburban, and rural geographical areas representative of the
Spanish-speaking people throughout this state.
(3) The term of each member shall be 3 years. Of the members
first appointed, 5 shall serve for 3-year terms, 5 shall serve for
2-year terms, and 5 shall serve for a 1-year term. A vacancy shall
be filled by the governor in the same manner as the original
appointment for the balance of the unexpired term.
(4)
The commission shall meet not less than 12 6 times
during
each calendar year. Each member of the commission shall receive per
diem compensation as appropriated in the annual budget. Per diem
compensation shall be paid only for a full day's commission work at
which a quorum is present. A member shall receive reimbursement for
actual and necessary traveling expenses incurred in the performance
of official business. Reimbursement shall be made in the manner
provided by law for state employees.
(5) A majority of the members of the commission constitutes a
quorum. A majority of the members of the commission is required for
final action by the commission. A vacancy in the commission shall
not impair the right of the remaining members to exercise the
powers of the commission.
Sec. 3. (1) The purpose of the commission shall be to develop
a unified policy and plan of action to serve the needs of
Michigan's Spanish-speaking people.
(2) The commission shall:
(a) Advise the governor, the legislature, and the office
concerning the coordination and administration of state programs
serving Spanish-speaking people.
(b) Make recommendations to the governor and legislature
regarding changes in state programs, statutes, and policies.
(c) Advise the governor and legislature of the nature,
magnitude, and priorities of the problems of Spanish-speaking
people.
(d) Review and approve grants to be made from federal, state,
or
private funds which that are administered by the office.
(e) Review and advise the governor and the legislature on the
state's policies concerning Spanish-speaking affairs.
(f) Secure appropriate recognition of Spanish-speaking
accomplishments and contributions to this state.
(g) Review and approve the annual report by the office of
Spanish-speaking affairs as described in section 5.
(h) Coordinate a Hispanic heritage month celebration.