WHEREAS, Article V, Section 1 of the Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963 vests the executive power in the Governor; and
WHEREAS, Article V, Section 2 of the Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963 empowers the Governor to make changes in the organization of the executive branch or in the assignment of functions among its units which he considers necessary for efficient administration; and
WHEREAS, Act No. 223 of the Public of 1976, as amended, created the Crime Victims Compensation Board within the Department of Management and Budget; and
WHEREAS, Act No. 196 of 1989, as amended, created the Criminal Assessments Commission within the Department of Management and Budget; and
WHEREAS, Act No. 519 of 1996, being Sections 18.351 et seq. of the Michigan Compiled Laws, renamed the former Crime Victims Compensation Board as the Crime Victim Services Commission, which is the successor agency of the board in all respects and for all purposes; and
WHEREAS, Act No. 520 of 1996, being Sections 780.901 et seq. of the Michigan Compiled Laws, abolished the former Criminal Assessments Commission, and further transferred its powers, duties, and jurisdiction to the Crime Victim Services Commission; and
WHEREAS, management of the Crime Victim Services Commission will be enhanced with increased coordination of efforts, collaboration and communication with other criminal justice related agencies and divisions within the Department of Community Health; and
WHEREAS, the Crime Victim Services Commission is responsible for duties and functions closely related to the duties and functions of divisions within the Michigan Department of Community Health, including, but not limited to, the Office of Drug Control Policy and the Division of Violence, Injury and Surveillance; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Community Health has a role in determining the Medicaid eligibility of applicants, which is a prerequisite for processing a claim for reimbursement for necessary medical expenses under Act No. 519 of 1996 and its constitutional and statutory counterparts; and
WHEREAS, mental health services to children and families provided by the Department of Community Health will serve to assist the counseling needs of crime victims; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary in the interests of efficient administration and effectiveness of government to effect changes in the organization of the Executive Branch of government.
NOW THEREFORE, I, John Engler, Governor of the State of Michigan, pursuant to the powers vested in me by the Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963 and the laws of the State of Michigan, do hereby order the following:
In fulfillment of the requirement of Article V, Section 2, of the Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963, the provisions of this Executive Order shall become effective sixty (60) days after filing.
MCL 780.921