From: Luzenski, Sue (LARA) on behalf of Cannon, Patrick (LARA) Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2012 9:09 AM To: MCB Staff Subject: Status of Governor's Executive Order Dear Colleagues, Mike Zimmer, LARA’s Chief Deputy Director has advised us that the Governor intends to rescind Executive Order 2012-2 and issue a new EO next week which will preserve specialized services for the blind and retain the blind services as a separate bureau. The new draft Order which is under final review is expected to be issued early next week, with an anticipated effective date of October 1 of this year. Following are some key components of the draft currently under consideration in which you will be interested: * The functions and services currently provided by the Michigan Commission for the Blind will be now provided by a distinct bureau in the DHS organizational structure. * The effective date of the transfers resulting from the new Executive Order will be October 1, 2012. This will mean that both MRS and MCB will submit a separate State Plan to RSA with each organization conducting a series of public meetings on its State Plan Amendments. * Under the draft which is currently being reviewed by RSA, BEP locations in Federal facilities will still be operated under the Randolph Sheppard Act with state facilities operations to be part of DTMB. * The State Rehabilitation Council will be reconstituted as the Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services to cover both MRS and MCB. The new Council will consist of 17 members with the Directors of MCB and MRS serving as ex-officio members. * The MCB Board as we have known it will be abolished and replaced by a Commission for Blind Persons. The new advisory commission will be comprised of 7 individuals appointed by the Governor. I want to emphasize that the new draft of the EO is still a work in progress and under review by RSA and others and, as such, still subject to revisions. We will keep you posted on further developments and, as always, I welcome any questions or comments you may have. The Administration’s willingness to listen carefully has served the best interests of our consumers. As I’ve stated often, I remain most appreciative of your patience through the past several weeks and your continued dedication to excellence. Thank you very much! Best always, Pat Patrick D. Cannon, State Director Michigan Commission for the Blind Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs P.O. Box 30652 Lansing, MI 48909 cannonp@michigan.gov 517-335-4265 Toll Free: 800-292-4200 Fax: 517-335-5140 michigan.gov/mcb