Details From Press Release
Link To State by State Info
(5/3/99)
The authors of a new study on working women say some of what they've found
tends to tarnish Utah's reputation as a one of America's most family-friendly
states.
Charles Sherrill reports from our Washington bureau.
Fifty-seven percent of Utah women with children under six hold full-time jobs,
according to a new study on working mothers.
Linda Tarr-Whelan, President of the Center for Policy Alternatives, says
"That's a really big number and it should cause public policy makers and
corporate leaders to think about what your state needs in order to be sure that
there is the support for working families."
Authors of the study favor
extended care programs before and after school for elementary age children.
They say just ten percent of Utah schools now offer that.
Ms. Tarr-Whelan explains, "Utah really is down at the bottom and not in a very
competitive environment compared to say, Nevada or other neighboring states--
Arizona and Colorado."
Better pay for child care workers would also help. They now earn only 58
percent of the average Utah income, according to the study.
"We're going to have to deal with the pay scale in order that those people can
earn a decent living, too," says Tarr-Whelan.
Working women are said to provide 70 percent of the unpaid, part-time care for
others and there's growing competition for their attention.
"Many families now, about one in four, are taking care of an elderly relative
as well as taking care of children," Tarr-Whelan says.
As baby boomers age, increasing the need for elder care, experts foresee
growing pressure on working mothers. That's why they think the nation needs a
wakeup call like the one they've just issued.
The study also concludes that six out of seven child care centers provide
mediocre to poor care.
One in eight was found to provide care that could jeopardize children's
safety and development.
