(b)(1) The State Planning Board shall consist of fifteen members to be appointed by the Governor from among the citizens of the State, who during their terms shall hold no other office in the executive branch of State Government to which any salary is attached. In addition to these members, there shall be six ex officio members, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Community and Economic Development, the Secretary of Environmental Protection, the Secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Secretary of Public Welfare and the Secretary of Transportation. There shall also be two members appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the President pro tempore of the Senate, neither of whom shall be members of the same political party, and two members appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, neither of whom shall be members of the same political party. The terms of office of those members appointed by the Governor shall be for four years and until their successors are appointed and have qualified. In case of a vacancy, the Governor shall make an appointment for the unexpired portion of the term. The Governor shall designate the chairman and vice-chairman of the board from among the members of the board, other than the ex officio and legislative members.

(2) Thirteen members of the board shall constitute a quorum.

(3) The members of the board shall serve without compensation but shall be entitled to receive traveling and other reasonable expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties.

(4) The board may, with the approval of the Governor, appoint and fix the compensation of an executive director who shall be technically qualified for the duties of the office and who shall act as secretary of the board and conduct the work of the board under its supervision.

(1) Conduct research and collect, compile and analyze data bearing upon social, economic, physical, demographic and other factors which may influence the present and future welfare of the Commonwealth.

(2) Monitor national and State trends, identify issues of potential interest and concern to the Commonwealth and prepare for the Governor and the General Assembly on an annual basis, or more often if necessary, reports detailing the findings of the board.

(3) Develop strategic plans and programs to promote and enhance the welfare of the Commonwealth and make such recommendations thereon to the Governor as it may deem proper and advisable.

(4) Solicit information and input from State and local government officials and private citizens in Pennsylvania as part of the process of developing strategic plans and programs.

(5) Submit annually to the Governor, the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a report on its program and activities.