Nearly 74% of mothers with kids under 18 work — a fact confirmed by Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Reich frames this as justification for policy investments in paid leave, equal pay, universal childcare, and healthcare, which are areas where childcare cost and availability significantly limit workforce participation according to CAP research. The post omits that different mothers prioritize different supports depending on income level and geography — lower-income mothers cite affordability as the primary barrier while higher-income mothers more often cite workplace flexibility and equal advancement opportunity.