The commission shall serve as a statewide forum concerning state policies and programs to reduce poverty and to address the needs and concerns of low income people in this state. The commission shall do all of the following:

    (a) Convene a state forum every 2 years that includes representatives from the public, private, nonprofit, and low income sectors to analyze poverty trends and make recommendations to reduce poverty.

    (b) Convene public meetings to provide low income and other persons the opportunity to comment upon public policies and programs to reduce poverty.

    (c) Advise the executive director concerning the designation or recision of a designation of a community action agency.

    (d) Review and comment upon the annual program budget request before its submittal to the governor and the legislature pursuant to section 10.

    (e) Advise the governor, the legislature, the state congressional delegation, and other appropriate federal officials of the nature and extent of poverty in the state and make recommendations concerning needed changes in state and federal policies and programs.

    (f) Advise the director and the governor at least annually concerning the performance of the bureau in fulfilling its requirements as prescribed by this act.

    (g) Participate with the bureau to implement a public education program designated to increase public awareness regarding the nature and extent of poverty in this state.

    (h) Receive reports from the bureau on strategies to reduce poverty and make recommendations based on those reports to the governor.

    (i) In coordination with community action agencies and the commission, establish an education and public information program designed to increase public awareness regarding the nature and extent of poverty in this state and regarding existing community social and economic programs.

    (j) Evaluate state statutes and programs relevant to the reduction of poverty and recommend appropriate changes to the governor and the legislature.

    (k) Submit reports to the governor, the legislature, the congressional delegation, and other appropriate federal officials regarding the needs, problems, opportunities, and contributions of low income persons and the effectiveness of existing state and federal policies and programs, and recommend actions to improve economic and social opportunities for low income persons.