By Bob Katzen

The Elections Laws Committee has recommended passage of a bill that would allow a candidate for public office to use campaign funds for childcare while the candidate is campaigning on his or her own behalf or attending events directly related to his or her campaign.

Under current law, candidates are prohibited from using campaign funds for their personal use. The state’s Office of Campaign and Political Finance has classified childcare, while performing campaign duties, as a personal expense rather than a campaign expense.

“Too many women, people of color and other parents have struggled to run for office while being the caretakers for their family, trying to balance caregiving with campaigning,” said co-sponsor Sen. Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville). “For many, this was too big a hurdle and they never ran. I would have never been able to run a successful campaign without the help of my friend who volunteered to take care of my young children for free. This bill will allow more women and people of color to run for office.”

“Prospective legislators with children should not have to choose between their families and public service,” said co-sponsor Rep Joan Meschino (D-Hull). “This bill helps break down the economic barrier of childcare and opens new doors to make the path to elected office more accessible. The committee’s favorable report is exciting.”

“Our campaign finance laws are organized around the concept of spending that enhances a candidate’s political future,” said Rep. Mike Connolly (D-Cambridge). “Allowing childcare as a campaign expense fits well within that framework because ensuring access to childcare will enable a broader group of people, particularly women and parents in working families, to more fully participate in the political process.”