A new report by the Women's Foundation of Minnesota finds many women still face a glass ceiling in terms of salary and promotion.

The Foundation says a review of salaries statewide shows, in some counties, women now make less than sixty cents on the dollar compared to men. Foundation spokeswoman Jane Ransom says despite changes over the years in law and social attitudes, many women are still in a financial box.

?There is still a great deal of discrimination that goes on in terms of which jobs women can hold in businesses,? she said. ?And, they really just can't get above a certain job level.?

Marshall County has the lowest wage gap between men and women - 88 cents on the dollar, around fifteen cents higher than the state average, Ransom said. Generally, the lowest wages for women are in rural counties, she noted.

Ransom said there are ways to close the gap and that the pay disparity is dragging down the state?s economy.

?The last Legislative session dramatically reduced assistance for poor women and children. Those cuts should be restored,? she said. ?The Legislature has relaxed the implementation of Minnesota's 'Pay Equity' law. It's reduced services, such as battered women's shelters and childcare supports that are essential for women seeking economic independence. And those cuts should be reversed.?

In many families, two incomes are necessary to survive, Ransom said. ?And we have so many single women with children - almost 40-percent are living at or below the poverty lines.?

For more information
View the full report at the Women?s Foundation website,www.wfmn.org. Click on ?Research and Education.?