WHEREAS, Section 1 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 vests the executive power of the State of Michigan in the Governor;

WHEREAS, Section 2 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963 empowers the Governor to make changes in the organization of the executive branch of state government or in the assignment of functions among its units that the Governor considers necessary for efficient administration;

WHEREAS, there is a continuing need to reorganize functions amongst state departments to ensure efficient administration and effectiveness of government;

WHEREAS, reorganization of the State Tax Commission and the State Assessor's Board will lead to more effective implementation of tax policy, greater administrative efficiencies, and reductions in expenditures;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, by virtue of the power and authority vested in the Governor by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and Michigan law, order the following:

VII. MISCELLANEOUS

A. All departments, committees, Commissioners, or officers of this state, or of any political subdivision of this state, shall give to the Commission or to any member or representative of the Commission, any necessary assistance required by the Commission or any member or representative of the Commission, in the performance of the duties of the Commission so far as is compatible with its, his, or her duties. Free access shall also be given to any books, records, or documents in its, his, or her custody, relating to matters within the scope of inquiry, study, or review of the Commission.

B. All rules, orders, bulletins, determinations, manuals, letters, certifications, contracts, agreements, and any other actions of the old State Tax Commission or the State Assessor's Board relating to the transfers under this Order lawfully adopted prior to the effective date of this Order shall continue to be in full force and effect until revised, amended, repealed, or rescinded by the new State Tax Commission.

C. This Order shall not abate any suit, action, or other proceeding lawfully commenced by, against, or before any entity affected under this Order. Any suit, action, or other proceeding may be maintained by, against, or before the appropriate successor of any entity affected under this Order.

D. The invalidity of any portion of this Order shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the Order, which may be given effect without any invalid portion. Any portion of this Order found invalid by a court or other entity with proper jurisdiction shall be severable from the remaining portions of this Order.

In fulfillment of the requirements under Section 2 of Article V of the Michigan Constitution of 1963, the provisions of this Order are effective on December 28, 2009 at 12:01 a.m.

History: 2009, E.R.O. No. 2009-36, Eff. Dec. 28, 2009