Welcome
Welcome to the web briefing on the economic and workforce strategies to support an inclusive economic recovery.
This page was developed to assist Assembly Members and the public prepare for the August 18, 2021, informational hearing, "Economic Recovery of Women- and Minority-Owned Businesses."
- Key Documents: Agenda Witness Bios
- Witness Slide Decks: Cornelius Swift Fong Kashida Herrera-Mansir Madeira
- Related Materials from Witnesses: Connect to the Materials Here
- Public Comment: Connect to Materials Here
The Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development and the Economy (JEDE), and the Assembly Select Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship (SB&E) are convening a joint informational hearing examining the needs of women- and minority-owned small businesses during the latter stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This is the second in a series of hearings being held by the Select Committee with future hearing topics focusing on workforce development, access to capital, and regulatory hurdles.
Information and recommendations received during the hearing will serve as a foundation for oversight and evaluation of state programs and legislative proposals in the coming Session. Return to the main launch page for the 2021-22 Session
Viewing the Hearing
The public is encouraged to watch the hearing at Today's Events | Assembly Internet (ca.gov)
Public Testimony
Stakeholders and other members of the public may testify in person or by calling a toll-free number. Agenda Item V - Public Comment is scheduled to start at approximately 4:00 pm.
The toll-free call-in number for this hearing is (877) 692-8957 and the access code is 2426237.
The Committees will be accepting written testimony through September 15, 2021. Written public comment may be submitted through jede@asm.ca.gov.
Finding Information on the Green Side Bar
Visitors to this web briefing have many options for "clicking through" the information. In the green box on the top right, there are a number of options for learning more about our hearing on inclusive economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic induced recession. The first two tabs, "1 - General Background" and "2 - Hearing Overview" present basic information about the hearing, including how to view the hearing and call-in for public comment.
Information under the 3 tab, provides an overview of California's $3.1 trillion economy, including a link to a "Fast Facts on the California Economy" and a "Fast Facts on California International Trade and Foreign Investment." Under tab 4, lies a discussion and data on how small businesses drive the state economy. Tab 5 includes links to a series of reports that provide background and thoughtful perspectives on the impact of and possible responses to the pandemic on women- and minority-owned businesses and how to undertake a more inclusive economic recovery. Key data, mostly pre-pandemic, on women- and minority-owned businesses is provided under Tab 6.
The next three tabs, "7 - Small Business Grant", "8 - Diverse Procurement Opportunities", and "9 - COVID-19 Proposals in the Budget", include more detailed programmatic information of the state's response to COVID-19. Tab 10 includes a current list of legislation related to the hearing.
Written testimony from stakeholders and other members of the public may be accessed through "11 - Public Testimony." The Committees will be accepting written testimony through September 15, 2021.
Acknowledgements
The JEDE Committee thanks those that have contributed to this web briefing: JEDE policy intern, Mauricio Aguilar; SB&E legal intern Kayla Teeple; the Speaker's Office for encouraging this endeavor; Sohrab Mansourian with the Assembly Rules Committee for coordinating the communication technologies; Karlin Lindsay for video availability and Justin Daly for call-in support; and the intrepid JEDE and SB&E staff for tackling this project - Lizzie Cootsona, Legislative Aid with SB&E; JEDE Committee Secretary Benjamin Warhiet; JEDE staff member Jodi deVries; and Toni Symonds, Chief Consultant with JEDE and web master.
Please note that this website is a product of the JEDE Committee. Any errors or omissions are ours alone.