EXECUTIVE ORDER 07-05

WHEREAS, military forces in Kansas, composed of Active, Reserve and National Guard, contribute to peace for the state, nation and world; and

WHEREAS, military activities in Kansas provide thousands of jobs and more than $2 billion annually for Kansas’ economy; and

WHEREAS, men and women in the military, and their families, whose talents contribute to the well being of their communities are valued as important assets to our State; and

WHEREAS, it is essential to preserve all military and related jobs for the benefit of Kansas families and the Kansas economy; and

WHEREAS, the State of Kansas desires to strengthen the presence and expansion of military facilities; and

WHEREAS, the State of Kansas should support and appreciate the men and women who serve our nation; and

WHEREAS, by Executive Order 98-5 dated July 2, 1998, Governor Bill Graves established the Governor’s Military Affairs Coordinating Council; and

WHEREAS, a provision of Executive Order 98-5 provided for the expiration of the Executive Order on May 1, 2000; and

WHEREAS, Executive Order 00-06 extended the Governor’s Military Affairs Coordinating Council until November 1, 2002; and

WHEREAS, Executive Order 02-05 extended the Governor’s Military Affairs Coordinating Council until May 1, 2003; and

WHEREAS, Executive Order 03-06 issued by Governor Sebelius extended the Governor’s Military Affairs Coordinating Council until May 1, 2005; and

WHEREAS, Executive Order 05-01 issued by Governor Sebelius extended the Governor’s Military Affairs Coordinating Council until May 7, 2007; and

WHEREAS, Executive Order 06-02 issued by Governor Sebelius renamed it the Governor’s Military Council and extended it until May 1, 2007, unless rescinded earlier or lengthened by executive order.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Kansas, I hereby incorporate by reference Executive Orders 98-5, 00-06, 02-05, 03-06, 05-01 and 06-02 and continue said Governor’s Military Council (“Council”) until May 1, 2009, unless rescinded earlier or lengthened by executive order, with the following purposes and charges:

1. The Council shall be composed of no more than thirty members appointed by the Governor.  The Governor will designate one member as Chair and may designate other officers as deemed appropriate.  Base/Post Commanders may serve as ex-officio members of the Council.
2. Members of the Council shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor and shall meet upon the call of the chairperson as necessary to carry out the duties outlined in this executive order.
3. Members of the Council shall receive no compensation, subsistence allowance, mileage or expenses from the State of Kansas.  Officers or employees of state agencies who are appointed to the Council as part of their duties shall be authorized to participate on the Council and may claim subsistence, allowance, mileage or associated expenses as permitted by law.  If federal grant funds are available, the Chair may receive subsistence, allowance or associated expenses.
4. The Council’s duty will be to initiate, act upon and consider all necessary strategies to:
   
   
   1. Optimize the military presence in Kansas through removal of operational impediments, increasing operating efficiencies, and recruitment/acquisition of new missions and force structure;
   2. Actively foster close, effective cooperation among the installations and public and private sectors throughout the State;
   3. Aggressively pursue initiatives to enhance the quality of life for veterans and all active and reserve component military personnel;
   4. Promote Kansas as a desired location for all Department of Defense retirees;
   5. Explore and develop outreach opportunities for individuals discharging or retiring from military service to use their talents and skills as members of the Kansas workforce;
   6. Assist in the development, coordination and execution of strategy required by any future change in missions proposed by the Department of Defense.

This document shall be filed with the Secretary of State as Executive Order No. 07-05 and shall become effective immediately.