Governor Rick Snyder signed two executive orders Wednesday (2011-4 and 2011-5), dismantling the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG) and creating the new Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The new Department will be led by Detroit-area attorney Steve Hilfinger as previously reported.
The reorganization plan moves energy promotion, job creation and training programs, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), the State Land Bank Fast Track Authority and the Michigan Next Energy Authority under the umbrella of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Also leaving the former DELEG are the Disability Concerns Commission, the Division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the Pacific American Affairs Commission and the Hispanic/Latino Commission to the Department of Civil Rights; as well as the Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategies to the Department of Technology, Management & Budget.
The executive orders create a centralized Michigan Administrative Hearing System that will be led by LARA’s new Chief Deputy Mike Zimmer, and abolishes the positions of Chief Energy Officer and Automobile and Home Insurance Consumer Advocate.
Finally, the Bureau of Health Professions, the Controlled Substances Advisory Commission and the Bureau of Health Systems will fall under LARA, moved from the Department of Community Health (DCH). Joining Director Hilfinger and Zimmer on the executive management team for the department will be Brian DeBano, former Chief of Staff to former-Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land.
Labels: LARA