In 1965 Governor Clifford Hansen issued a proclamation creating the Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women, whereupon Wyoming became the 45th state to have such a commission. In 1966 a study was completed with the results presented to the governor, recommending the commission be a permanent and continuing entity, and that apportions be requested from the state. In 1973 the legislature granted a general fund apportionment for the commission. In 1977, the legislature changed the name to the Wyoming Commission for Women. In 1989 the commission became a part of the Department of Employment. The title was changed to the Wyoming Council for Women’s Issues (WCWI). In 2000 Governor Geringer moved the WCWI to the Wyoming Business Council. The WCWI receives funding from the legislature, and relies on numerous volunteer hours to carry out its work. The WCWI is a 13-member council with representation from each of the nine judicial districts in addition to four at large members and one ex-officio member for the Wyoming Business Council. The Governor through the Boards and Councils Application process appoints WCWI members.