 The group Voices for Illinois Children reports that nearly
one-quarter of families with children are headed by single women,
who face high unemployment, low pay and frequent poverty.The
unemployment rate for single mothers in 2009 was 13.5 percent,
compared with less than 7 percent for married parents living
together.
Nearly 39 percent of Illinois households headed by single mothers
exist at the poverty level. The poverty rate for a married couple
was just 6.4 percent.
Voices for Illinois Children is recommending federal legislation
to strengthen the promise of equal pay for equal work. It also says
Illinois should provide unemployment benefits to women who leave
work because they lack child care.
[Associated Press]
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This
material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.
 |
