Michael Queen

This report, commissioned by Wells Fargo, analyzes the economic impact and growth of women-owned businesses in the U.S., presenting projections for 2024 and 2025. It identifies their significant contributions to firms, employment, and revenue, while also detailing persistent disparities and systemic obstacles such as the wealth gap, limited access to funding, and gender bias. The report outlines strategies for progress, advocating for proactive policies, expanded capital access, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders to foster an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem and achieve economic gender parity.

The meeting began with the call to order. Key discussions involved the review and required vote on the rule and HAVA Board recommendation concerning the HAVA Subgrant Application for Preston County, which was subsequently approved. The commission also considered requests for relief from civil penalties owed by various political committees for filing delinquent campaign finance reports. Following this discussion, the commission entered into and subsequently exited executive session to address election investigation matters. Recommendations were made to the WV Secretary of State's Office regarding penalty agreements and waivers for several entities, including the Tyler Co. Education Association, Gary Connell, Roane County Dem. Executive Committee, Fayette County Republican Executive Committee, Harrison Co. Democrat Committee, Advocates for Better Education, Clay County DEC, Teamsters Local 697 PAC Fund, South Charleston Fire Fighters PAC, and Kanawha Co. Secondary Principals.

The meeting included consideration of CARES Subgrant Applications for multiple counties. An executive session was held to discuss a confidential investigation. There was also a review of an examiner report and consideration of voting system certification for MicroVote EMS 4.41, but the report was not available at the time.

The meeting addressed a legal matter regarding 153 CSR 13 Early Voting In-Person Satellite Precincts Legislative Rule, focusing on comments made by the Kanawha County Commission and potential conflicts of interest. The discussion involved the intentional violation of a legislative rule, concerns about uniformity, and the rule's force and effect of law. The Secretary of State will request a formal Attorney General opinion on whether 153 CSR 13 remains in effect following a statutory amendment.

The meeting included discussions and votes on several subgrant applications for Ritchie, Lewis, Barbour, Calhoun and Gilmer counties. The commission then entered into and later exited an executive session.