The Governor's Committee for the Purchase of Commodities and Services from the Handicapped was established in 1989 with the passage of West Virginia Code §5A-3-10. The purpose of this law is to further the State's policy of encouraging people with disabilities to achieve maximum independence by engaging in productive activities. In addition, the law provides state agencies, institutions and political subdivisions with a method for achieving conformity with purchasing procedures and requirements of nondiscrimination and affirmative action in employment matters related to people with disabilities.