Report: Illinois’ Poorest Demographic Is Women Of Color
A recent report finds mainly women are in poverty in Illinois and improving their financial status would boost the overall economy in the state.
The report from the research arm of the Heartland Alliance concluded that improving wages and other conditions for women would be particularly helpful to women of color.
Katie Buitrago of the Heartland Alliance said women are over half the population in Illinois and that the poverty rate for families headed by women is double that for families headed by single men.
“Gender pay equity is not only an issue for women’s human rights, but it deeply impacts families that depend on them, as well, and the economy. Ending the wage gap in Illinois would boost the economy by over $20 billion , and it would benefit over one million children,” she said.