The Executive Branch: An Overview

Presented byKris Kautz, Deputy DirectorDepartment of Administrative Services

Oregon ConstitutionArticle V: Executive Department

Identifies the Governor as the Chief Executive of the State and outlines the following authority/responsibilities: Commander of the State’s military forces Makes recommendations to the Legislature Transact necessary business of the State Outlines veto authority Governor to fill vacancies of elective offices (i.e. statewide elected offices, judges, county district attorneys)

Where does the Executive Branch Authority Come From?

Oregon ConstitutionArticle VI: Administrative Department

Outlines the elections and duties of the Secretary of State Duties include:

Keeping official public record of official acts of the Legislative Assembly and the Executive Department Maintain the official state seal Auditor of public accounts And, duties as assigned by law

Where does the Executive Branch Authority Come From?

Oregon Constitution Article VI: Administrative Department

Outlines the elections and duties of the State TreasurerThe powers and duties shall be prescribed by law…

Chapter 178 – Oregon Revised Statutes – outlines duties: Keep the office at the seat of government Receive and have charge of all moneys paid into the State Treasury Pay out moneys from the State Treasury All transactions are documented and open to inspection by the Governor, Secretary of State and the Legislature

Chapter 286A – Oregon Revised Statutes Outlines State Treasurer’s authority to issue bonds

Where does the Executive Branch Authority Come From?

How does the Executive Branch operate?

The Governor is responsible for the direction of all state agencies within the Executive Branch.

• Ensuring compliance with statutes, responsive service to Oregonians, and efficient and sound management.

The Governor appoints most agency heads within the Executive Branch.

• Appoints the membership of various boards, commissions, committees, and task forces.

Statewide elected officials in the Executive Branch

1. Governor, Constitutional Office Operates most Executive Branch agencies

2. Secretary of State, Constitutional Office Operates agency independent of Governor

3. State Treasurer, Constitutional Office Operates agency independent of Governor

4. Attorney General Operates the Department of Justice

5. Superintendent of Public Instruction Operates the Department of Education

6. Labor Commissioner Operates the Bureau of Labor and Industries

Executive Branch Statistics

Number of State Executive Branch Agencies: 80

Number of State Employees in the Executive Branch: 34,258

Total 2007-09 Legislatively Adopted Budget for the Executive Branch (in billions):

$13.3 General Fund$ 1.2 Lottery Funds$23.5 Other Funds$ 9.3 Federal Funds$47.3 Total Funds

Program Areas within the Executive Branch

• Education

• Human Services

• Public Safety

• Economic and Community Development

• Natural Resources

• Transportation

• Consumer and Business Services

• Administration

Governor’s responsibility regarding legislation and agency budgets

“The Governor proposes and the Legislature disposes”…

• The Governor’s Office coordinates all state agency proposals for changes to statutes prior to each regular session of the Legislature.

• The Governor also proposes a two year biennial budget to the Legislature on behalf of all state agencies.

Under Oregon Constitution, the budget must be balanced to available revenues. The Governor may also propose new revenues (via legislation) in the budget process to continue current programs or support new initiatives.

Delegation of Authority and Responsibility by the GovernorAgency Directors are responsible for the day-to-dayoperations of their organizations including providingstrategic direction for its programs based on agency mission, ensuring appropriate customer service to Oregonians, and maintaining appropriate controls over finances and staff.

Agencies work with the Governor and Governor’s Office staff regarding overall statewide policy and direction including proposing program changes through statute and/or budget processes.

Governor’s Initiatives for 2009-11 include:1. Transportation2. Education3. Health Care4. Sustainable Development

Contact Information

Kris KautzDeputy DirectorDepartment of Administrative Services155 Cottage St NESalem, OR 97301(503) 378-4691kristine.m.kautz@state.or.us