WHEREAS, it is imperative that there be a free flow of information between the executive and legislative branches of government and that they cooperate with each other in order to provide a government that is open and accountable to the people of the State of South Carolina; and

WHEREAS, the South Carolina General Assembly often needs information from the agencies in the Governor's cabinet in order to conduct its legislative functions in an effective and efficient manner; and

WHEREAS, there have been instances in this State's history when officials and employees in the executive branch have obstructed the legislative process by unjustifiably refusing to provide information to members of the General Assembly or by failing to provide requested information in a timely manner; and

WHEREAS, the Governor's cabinet consists of the Director of the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, the Secretary of the Department of Commerce, the Director of the Department of Corrections, the Director of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Director of the Department of Insurance, the Director of the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Director of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, the Director of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, the Director of the Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services, the Director of the Department of Revenue, the Director of the Department of Social Services, the Chief of the State Law Enforcement Division, and the Director of the Department of Public Safety.

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me as Governor, pursuant to the Constitution and Statutes of the State of South Carolina, I hereby direct my chief of staff and each member of my cabinet to fully cooperate with members of the General Assembly and to provide in a timely fashion any requested information consistent with applicable law.

The provisions of this Executive Order shall remain in full force and effect until further order of this office.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, THIS 4th DAY OF FEBRUARY 2003.

MARK Sanford
Governor

Last Updated: Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 11:13 A.M.