GOVERNORVol. 31 Iss. 4 - October 20, 2014
GOVERNOR
EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 28 (2014)
Establishment of the Governor's Commission on Integrity and Public Confidence in State Government
Importance of the Initiative
The fundamental strength of Virginia's government derives from an engaged citizenry and the utmost dedication from its public servants. Ethical and effective governance requires elected and appointed officers to take every appropriate action for the proper use of public resources and transparency in public endeavors.
My administration is committed to identifying the highest standards for comprehensive governmental reform. Virginia's reputation as one of the outstanding states for business depends upon trusted institutions, public confidence in government, and principled leadership in the Commonwealth. To forge an ethos of trust, it is crucial to continually review operational procedures and systems to ensure the Commonwealth accountability and efficiency.
Establishment of the Commission
Therefore, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, including but not limited to §§ 2.2-134 and 2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia, and subject to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility, I hereby establish the Governor's Commission on Integrity and Public Confidence in State Government ("Commission").
Key Reform Issues
I am directing the Commission to review and make recommendations for legislation or policies that address the following reform issues:
1. Comprehensive Government Ethics
• The benefits of a more independent Ethics Commission for oversight of conflicts of interest matters.
• A cap or ban on gifts for legislators, including "intangible" gifts of meals and travel.
• Rules regarding personal loans, or any loans other than those from commercial financial institutions at rates available to the general public, to legislators and their family members from personal friends or business associates.
• Rules regarding grants, deliberations, or decisions by members of public boards and commissions that could provide a direct financial benefit to such members, members' family, personal friends, or close business associates.
• Rules regarding post-governmental employment and an appropriate waiting period prior to beginning such employment.
• Policies regarding lawyer-legislators representing clients before state agencies during their term in office.
• Rules related to legislators holding executive branch employment during their term in office.
2. Campaign Finance
• Rules related to the amount of contributions to campaigns by individuals, corporations, PACs, lobbyists, and others.
• Rules regarding campaign contributions during special sessions of the General Assembly.
• Policies on the personal use of candidate campaign funds.
• The disclosure of independent expenditures and advertising in support of or opposition to political candidates prior to an election.
3. Disclosure Oversight and Enforcement
• Independent investigation and audit of campaign disclosures.
• Independent administration and audit of lobbyist disclosure forms.
4. Selection and Service of Judges and Other Public Officials
• Procedures for improving the selection of judges and other candidates for public service.
5. Second Consecutive Term for Virginia's Governor
• Frequency of gubernatorial transitions and the impact on providing services to citizens as well as the daily operations of executive branch agencies.
6. Various Other Governmental Reforms
• Procedures for legislative and congressional redistricting.
• Alterations in the state budget cycle as it relates to gubernatorial terms.
The Commission may, at its discretion or the discretion of the Governor, examine other issues consistent with the purposes of this Executive Order.
Composition of the Commission
Former Congressman Rick Boucher and former Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling will serve as Co-Chairs of the Commission. The Commission will be comprised of no more than ten (10) members appointed by the Governor and will serve at his pleasure. The Governor may appoint additional persons to the Commission at his discretion.
Staff support
Staff support as necessary to support the Commission will be furnished by the Office of the Governor, and the Governor may designate further support by any other executive branch agencies. An estimated 300 hours of staff time will be required to support the work of the Commission. The Commission may consult with any experts it deems necessary for the requisite information to provide a full and complete report.
Funding needed to support the Commission will be provided by state and other appropriate funds. Direct costs for this Commission are estimated at no more than $15,000. Members of the Commission will serve without compensation, but may receive reimbursement for expenses incurred in the discharge of their official duties.
The Commission will meet at least once monthly upon the call of the Co-Chairs beginning in October, 2014. The Commission will present an interim report pertaining to comprehensive government ethics reform to the Governor on or before December 1, 2014. The Commission will also issue other reports and recommendations as it deems necessary or as requested by the Governor.
Effective Date of the Executive Order
This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and, pursuant to §§ 2.2-134 and 2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia, shall remain in force and effect for a year or until superseded or rescinded.
Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, this 25th day of September, 2014.
/s/ Terence R. McAuliffe
Governor
EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 29 (2014)
Establishing the Governor's Task Force on Prescription Drug and Heroin Abuse
Nationally, prescription drug and heroin abuse has reached epidemic proportions. Since 2000, deaths from prescription drug overdoses in Virginia have more than doubled, while deaths from heroin overdoses have doubled in the past two years. Though prescription drugs are generally safe when used as prescribed, the misuse and abuse of prescription painkillers (opioids) can lead to addiction, and even death. In addition, individuals that are addicted to opioids are shifting to heroin, as prescription drugs become less available.
Prescription opioid and heroin abuse has also led to an increased burden on law enforcement and elevated health care costs from drug-related emergency department visits and treatment admissions. While the numbers of Virginians requiring treatment for addiction to drugs are substantial, resources for treating those who are addicted are limited. It is vital to the Commonwealth's interests to take immediate steps to reverse this dangerous trend of abuse. Therefore, I am directing relevant state and local agencies, health and behavioral health care professionals and organizations, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to work together toward reducing prescription opioid and heroin addiction, curtailing related criminal activity, and enhancing the health, safety, and well-being of all Virginians.
Establishment of the Task Force
Accordingly, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, including, but not limited to §§ 2.2-134 and 2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia, and subject to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby establish the Governor's Task Force on Prescription Drug and Heroin Abuse ("Task Force").
The Task Force will serve in an advisory role, in accordance with § 2.2-2100 of the Code of Virginia, and will be responsible for recommending short-term and long-term measures that can be taken to tackle prescription drug and heroin abuse and addiction, using best practices and evidence-based strategies.
Composition of the Task Force
The Secretary of Health and Human Resources and Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security will serve as Co-Chairs. The Task Force will be composed of representatives from the Office of the Attorney General, legislature, and judiciary, as well as relevant state and local agencies, law enforcement, health and behavioral health care professionals, providers, community advocates, and individuals with personal experience, as appointed by the Governor. The Governor may appoint any other person(s) deemed necessary and proper to carry out the assigned functions.
Key Objectives
The Task Force will offer recommendations to meet the Commonwealth's objectives listed under the following five major areas: 1) education, 2) treatment, 3) data and monitoring, 4) drug storage and disposal, and 5) enforcement.
The Task Force will also recommend specific metrics to be used to track progress in each of these five areas, and will suggest a target for each area with a date by which the goals should be met.
Overall, the Task Force will seek measures for the reduction in deaths from prescription drug and heroin abuse within 5 years.
1. Education
• Raise public awareness about the dangers of misuse and abuse of prescription drugs
• Distribute information about appropriate use, secure storage, and disposal of prescription drugs
• Train health care providers regarding best practices for opioid prescribing, pain management, the use of the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP), and identification and treatment of individuals at risk of substance abuse through screening, intervention, and referral tools
• Train first responders to more effectively respond to calls involving overdose, and use evidence-based interventions to reduce overdose deaths
2. Treatment
• Improve access to and availability of treatment services
• Foster best practices and adherence to standards for treatment of individuals addicted to opioids
• Strengthen and expand the capacity of Virginia's health workforce to respond to substance abuse treatment needs, including encouraging health professions schools and continuing education programs to provide more education about how to identify and treat substance abuse
3. Data and Monitoring
• Share and integrate data among relevant licensing boards, state and local agencies, law enforcement, courts, health care providers and organizations, and programs such as the PMP, in order to clarify and address public safety and public health concerns, understand emerging trends, and utilize data-driven decision-making to mitigate harm
4. Storage and Disposal
• Advance effective solutions that lead to safe storage and proper disposal of potentially dangerous prescription drugs
5. Enforcement
• Identify and promote evidence-based best practices and strategies across the criminal justice system to address public safety risks and treatment needs of individuals with opioid addiction, training in the use of life saving interventions, expanded alternatives to incarceration, including drug courts, and cross-system collaboration to improve access to and the availability of treatment
Staffing
Staff support for the Task Force will be furnished by the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources and the Office of the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, and such other agencies and offices as designated by the Governor. The Task Force will meet upon the call of the Chair at least four times per year. The Task Force will provide initial recommendations to the Governor on or before December 31, 2014, a comprehensive implementation plan by June 30, 2015, and any additional reports as necessary.
Effective Date
This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and, pursuant to §§ 2.2-134 and 2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia, shall remain in full force and effect for a year from its signing or until superseded or rescinded.
Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 26th day of September, 2014.
/s/ Terence R. McAuliffe
Governor
