(photo: Sarah Chai/Pexel)
When it comes to being a state that’s friendly to working moms, Louisiana has its work cut out for it. A new study by WalletHub ranks Louisiana dead last for working mothers. Analyst Chip Lupo says the study ranked all 50 states and the District of Columbia across three key dimensions.
“50th professional opportunities; that’s what measures things such median women’s salaries, gender pay gaps, shared families in poverty in which Louisiana ranks 51st, 43rd in the female unemployment rate,” Lupo noted.
In the other two key dimensions, Louisiana ranked 50th in child care and 40th in work-life balance. Lupo says the gender pay gap is one thing that really stands out in this study.
“In its defense, though, Louisiana is trying to at least address that. But you do have all these economic issues in front of you that’s going to make it extremely difficult,” Lupo said.
Lupo says in order for Louisiana to dig out of the basement in these rankings, it’s going to need to create a business climate that’s better for work overall, using Florida as an example.
“More people are flocking to Florida, not only because of no state income tax, but because it’s a business-friendly climate. You have diverse areas that are providing incentives for companies, providing incentives for employees,” Lupo explained.
The best state for working moms – Connecticut. In fact, five of the six New England states took five of the six top spots in the rankings.
Comments