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Louisville Region’s Labor Market: 2024 Highlights
LMI Sarah Ehresman LMI Sarah Ehresman

Louisville Region’s Labor Market: 2024 Highlights

The regional economy showed signs of softening in 2024. Higher interest rates set by the Federal Reserve achieved their intended purpose of slowing the economy to reduce inflation. The economy entered the current turbulent policy environment from an already weakened position. It has been especially difficult for people entering the labor market, particularly among young workers. Let’s review how the regional economy performed in 2024.

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The role of child care in the labor force participation rate among women
LMI Sarah Ehresman LMI Sarah Ehresman

The role of child care in the labor force participation rate among women

Research shows that mothers of young children accounted for nearly a quarter of the unanticipated employment loss related to COVID-19. Access to affordable, reliable child care was a challenge before the pandemic, and has only gotten worse since. The low-wage-work/high-cost-service conundrum of the child care sector has led the Treasury Department to deem the industry a market failure. This implies a need for public sector support, and given the impact to businesses in need of a labor supply, also suggests a role for employers to step in.

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