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An Order to Implement Transparency and Oversight Regarding the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

February 17, 2009

25 FY 08/09

WHEREAS, President Obama and the United States Congress have enacted a comprehensive federal economic stimulus package to create jobs and implement the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,” hereinafter referred to as “the Act,” a package of supplemental appropriations, tax credits and tax relief for the preservation and creation of jobs, investment in needed infrastructure, promotion of energy efficiency, science and health, the provision of assistance to the unemployed and for state and local fiscal stabilization; and

WHEREAS, the Act will provide the State of Maine with significant federal assistance to be used in a manner consistent with the purposes described above; and

WHEREAS, the Act requires the State to manage fiscal stimulus resources in a manner that is prudent, accountable and transparent and in a manner that is as expeditious as possible; and

WHEREAS, the Act requires the State to be prepared for the immediate receipt of stimulus funds which, in turn, must be obligated within very constrained timeframes, so as to ensure investments are infused into the economy as quickly as possible; and

WHEREAS, the Act requires the State to provide the federal government with timely, comprehensive reports on the uses and management of stimulus funds and to comply with all accountability requirements of the Act;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, John Elias Baldacci, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby order the following:

1. The Commissioner of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services will serve as the State Coordinator for the management of fiscal stimulus funds flowing to the State as a result of the enactment of the Act; the Commissioner will be responsible for the State’s administration of and compliance with the accountability and transparency requirements of the Act;

2. All departments, agencies and other instrumentalities of the State shall cooperate with the Commissioner of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services and shall provide all data, reports and information related to the receipt and use of stimulus monies that he may request in the manner he so prescribes, in an accurate and timely manner.

3. To ensure the Legislative oversight and participation and the highest degree of accountability possible, each dollar of stimulus funding received by State government will be required to be allotted by financial order. Each agency will be required to provide notice and briefing to its legislative oversight committee or committees regarding the receipt and uses of recovery monies reflected in each individual financial order, prior to submitting that financial order for the review and approval of the State Budget Officer and the Governor.

Effective Date

The effective date of this Executive Order is February 17, 2009.

John E. Baldacci, Governor