Department of Community and Culture. Office of Ethnic Affairs. Hispanic Affairs

Purpose: "Advise the governor on issues affecting the Hispanic community and monitor state agencies as well as other entities and their programs. Evaluate the progress of these agencies in implementing solutions to economic, educational, and social problems of Hispanics and assist in facilitating communication between government and minority communities." (From "Capitol Connections" newsletter, volume 1, issue 5, September 1993, page 4.)?"The Office of Hispanic Affairs acts as a liaison between state government and Utah's Hispanic community and helps resolve civil rights disputes involving ethnic minorities." (From "State and Local Government in Utah," 1992 ed., page 191.)

A director appointed by the governor supervises the Office of Hispanic Affairs. The Hispanic Advisory Council acts in an advisory capacity.

Governor Calvin Rampton issued an executive order creating the Advisory Council on Spanish Speaking Affairs on June 22, 1973. Three executive orders by Governor Scott Matheson followed. Matheson created the Advisory Council on Hispanic Affairs on March 15, 1977. He later amended his first order on January 25, 1980, creating a Policy/Advisory Council on Hispanic Affairs. Another order was issued on December 31, 1982. An executive order issued by Governor Norman Bangerter on May 30, 1986, provides the current legal authority for the agency.