WHEREAS, there are significant economic, social and human costs associated with the misuse and abuse of alcohol and other drugs in Washington State, for which there are no simple solutions; and
WHEREAS, to reduce these costs will require individuals, families, and communities working in partnership with government, private industry, law enforcement, and schools to create innovative and coordinated solutions to the problem, and strengthen existing programs which are successfully reducing substance abuse;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mike Lowry, Governor of the State of Washington, by virtue of the authority invested in me, do hereby reestablish the Governor's Council on Substance Abuse as follows:
1. The Council shall be composed of twenty-six members. Fifteen members of the Council shall be appointed by the Governor and shall represent private industry, local and tribal government, treatment providers, community groups, educators, and law enforcement. The directors (or director's designee) of the Department of Social and Health Services, the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development, the Department of Health, the Department of Corrections, the Chief of the State Patrol (or designee), the Chair of the Liquor Control Board (or designee), and the Superintendent of Public Instruction (or designee) shall serve as members of the council. Membership shall also include four Legislators, two from the Senate and two from the House of Representatives, to be, appointed by their respective caucuses.
The terms of members appointed by the Governor shall be three years, except initial appointments shall be one, two, or three years. The Governor shall appoint the Chair.
A majority of the Council shall constitute a quorum, and a majority of those present can approve Council action.
2. The Council shall have the following responsibilities:
A. Develop recommendations for a state and local strategy on substance abuse and seek community involvement on issues relating to the strategy, such as public safety and health. The strategy should balance prevention, education, intervention, treatment, and law and justice.
B. Advise the Governor on substance abuse issues.
C. Review and develop recommendations regarding state, local and federal funding of substance abuse issues.
D. Consult with and advise the Family Policy Council established in Ch. 198, Laws of 1992, on substance abuse issues.
E. Provide policy recommendations to state agencies on alcohol and other drug issues.
3. The Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development shall provide such administrative support and resources as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Council. The Washington Interagency Network on Substance Abuse (WIN) shall serve as a resource to the Council. Members of the Council may receive per them and travel expenses in accordance with OFM policies.
4. This Executive Order supersedes Executive Order 94-09, which is hereby rescinded.
This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.