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ALBANY, N.Y. — Before the pandemic, more women were in the workforce than ever before, and new research ranks New York state fifth in the country for women’s economic standing.
The report, from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, reveals both progress and barriers that were present before the recession.
Elyse Shaw, study director for the Institute and co-author of the report, noted New York’s ranking for 2019 is the same as 2018. She acknowledged the state has been more proactive with policies, like family medical leave, that further women’s equity in the labor force. But she contended there are more areas that require work.
“In New York City, the minimum wage is $15 an hour, but outside of that area, it’s $12.50,” Shaw observed. “Really working to get that up and equalized across the state is something that will really help women and ensure that there’s equity, no matter where you live.”