Any state official of cabinet level rank appointed by a governor-elect between the date of election and the date on which the governor-elect assumes office shall, upon request of the governor-elect to the then incumbent governor, accompanied by notification of the appointment, be provided with suitable office space and equipment and secretarial help in or as near as possible to the administrative offices of the department or staff division which the person has been appointed to head. Only if no suitable space is available in existing state facilities shall space be secured and provided in other places.