Amid the ongoing labor shortage, a concerning trend has emerged – working mothers are leaving the workforce. Census Bureau data shows the share of mothers aged 25-44 in the labor force has dropped 3 percentage points since January. This decline is largely attributed to the rollback of remote work arrangements that allowed mothers to balance caregiving and employment during the pandemic. “It’s become harder for women with caregiving responsibilities to thrive in this job market,” explains Misty Heggeness, a former Census economist. The exodus of working mothers is not just a policy failure – it represents a visible economic shift, particularly in mid-sized cities. As these women exit, communities are losing future homeowners, entrepreneurs, civic leaders and financial contributors. Experts warn this trend could have far-reaching consequences if it continues. (newser)