Proposed funding would revive state's office tracking the economic status of women

Barbara Battiste cited career earning inequities between women and men as one example why her former office should be funded.

She told the House State Government Finance Division Tuesday a few reasons why women often earn less than their male counterparts.

“Those who suffer the most from this disparity are single mothers, minority and immigrant women, and older women,” she said.

Rep. Connie Bernardy

Battiste said outright discrimination is only “a very small percentage of the cause.” The careers women pursue play a role, and women often work fewer hours over their careers because they are the principal caregivers for their children. That can mean taking time off for sick children, medical appointments, snow days and school-related functions.

Additionally, women are more likely to be caregivers for aging parents or spouses, she said.

Battiste has conducted myriad research on the issue, in part as director of the nonpartisan Office on the Economic Status of Women from 2014-17.

Created by the Legislature in 1976, funding for the office was eliminated in a 2017 law.

Held over by the division for possible omnibus bill inclusion, HF2533 would provide an unspecified amount of money to fund the office in the 2020-21 biennium. A fiscal note indicates a $317,000 biennial price tag. There is no Senate companion.

Per statute, the Legislative Coordinating Commission, “shall study and report to the legislature on all matters relating to the economic status of women in Minnesota.” That scope includes: contributions to the state economy, opportunities for education and vocational training, employment opportunities, and access to benefits and services provided by the state.

“How I got to know them the most is reading the findings that they found out,” said Rep. Connie Bernardy (DFL-New Brighton), the bill sponsor. “One of the most profound findings that I got from them is regarding transportation. … The No. 1 barrier for women in Greater Minnesota for economic security is transportation, and then in so many other areas transportation is a barrier for getting children to quality child care and other things.”