EXECUTIVE ORDER KKB 04-04

WHEREAS, the First Gentleman is the official host of the state of Louisiana and, as a result, the First Gentleman holds both private status and de facto state officer status;

WHEREAS, as the First Gentleman of Louisiana, Mr. Raymond "Coach" Blanco travels throughout Louisiana to promote its beautification and historic preservation, the health and safety of its inhabitants, and other worthy projects and causes, such as the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion Foundation, litter prevention and elimination, inner city education, prisoner rehabilitation, and the protection of children’s health, safety and welfare;

WHEREAS, as First Gentleman, Mr. Blanco welcomes visiting dignitaries, makes speeches and public service announcements, authors articles pertaining to his projects, holds press conferences and interviews, participates in charity events, and performs numerous other duties and activities at the Governor’s request; and

WHEREAS, the numerous duties and activities of the First Gentleman place significant administrative demands on the office of the First Gentleman which necessitate that it be given formal recognition;

NOW THEREFORE I, KATHLEEN BABINEAUX BLANCO, Governor of the state of Louisiana, by virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution and laws of the state of Louisiana, do hereby order and direct as follows:

SECTION 1: The Office of the First Gentleman (hereafter "Office") is created and established within the executive department, Office of the Governor. The First Gentleman shall be an ambassador and a spokesperson for the state of Louisiana, and shall perform other duties as directed by the Governor.

SECTION 2: Support staff, office facilities, and reasonable operating expenses shall be provided to the Office by the executive department, Office of the Governor.

SECTION 3: The First Gentleman shall not receive compensation or a per diem. Nonetheless, he may receive reimbursement for actual travel expenses incurred in the representation of the Office, in accordance with state guidelines and procedures, contingent upon the availability of funds, and the approval of the Commissioner of Administration.

SECTION 4: All departments, commissions, boards, agencies, and officers of the state, or any political subdivision thereof, are authorized and directed to cooperate with the Office in implementing the provisions of this Order.

SECTION 5: Upon signature of the Governor, the provisions of this Order shall be made retroactive to January 12, 2004, and shall remain in effect until amended, modified, terminated, or rescinded by the Governor, or until terminated by operation of law.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand officially and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of Louisiana, at the Capitol, in the city of Baton Rouge, on this 25th day of March, 2004.

EXECUTIVE ORDER KBB 04-04

Office of the First Gentleman