Executive Order 17-02

State of Montana
Office of the Governor

Executive Order Continuing the Montana Family Support Services Advisory Council

WHEREAS, the Montana Legislature authorized the State of Montana to apply for funding to implement the state grant program for infants and toddlers with disabilities as initially established under the Education of Handicapped Act Amendments of 1986, PL 99-457, and later amended under its reauthorization in July, 1997, and is now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, PL 105-17; and

WHEREAS, the Disabilities Services Division of the Department of Public Health and Human Services has been designated the lead agency for early intervention and family support services provided for under Title 1, Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (see Attachment A); and

WHEREAS, to be eligible for participation in the state grant program for infants and toddlers the Governor must appoint an Interagency Coordinating Council of at least 15 members to advise the Disabilities Services Division regarding issues of early intervention and family support in Montana; and

WHEREAS, the Family Support Services Advisory Council is the established Interagency Coordinating Council to advise the Disabilities Services Division regarding the State of Montana's intent to continue to implement a statewide, comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, coordinated program of early intervention and family support services for children aged birth to five, inclusive, and their families.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JUDY MARTZ, Governor of the State of Montana, by virtue of the authority vested in me pursuant to the  constitution and laws of the State of Montana, do hereby continue the Montana Family Support Services Advisory Council.

I.          PURPOSE

The Council shall carry out all duties assigned pursuant to Public Law 105-17 and amendments thereto.

II.          COMPOSITION

The names and addresses of members who shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor are submitted by separate letter to the Department of Public Health and Human Services and the Secretary  of State.

III.         DURATION

This Council shall exist for a period of two years from the effective date of this Order unless otherwise rescinded or extended by subsequent executive order.  This Order is effective immediately.

	GIVEN under my hand and the GREAT SEAL of the State of Montana, this ___ day of July, 2002. JUDY MARTZ, Governor
ATTEST: BOB BROWN, Secretary of State