KRS 12.270: Cabinet secretaries -- Authority, powers, and duties.

(1) The secretary of each cabinet shall:

(a) Be a member of the Governor's Cabinet and shall serve as the Governor's

liaison in carrying out the responsibilities for overall direction and

coordination of the departments, boards, and commissions included in the

related cabinet;

(b) Recommend to the Go vernor desired reorganization affecting the related

cabinet;

(c) Advise the Governor on executive actions, legislative matters, and other steps

that may be desirable for better program service;

(d) Evaluate and pass upon all budget requests originated by t he departments,

boards, and commissions within the related cabinet;

(e) Advise the Governor on the appointment of commissioners and heads of units

included in the related cabinet, except for those whose election or selection is

otherwise provided for by law.

(2) Except as provided by KRS 45.255, each secretary is authorized to accept and

expend funds from any source, whether public or private, in support of the duties

and responsibilities of the related cabinet.

(3) Each secretary shall have any and all nec essary power and authority, subject to

appropriate provisions of the statutes, to create such positions and to employ the

necessary personnel in such positions to enable the secretary to perform the

functions of his or her office.

(4) Each secretary shall have exclusive control and direction over the administration of

the related cabinet programs as required by law.