Legislation Supports State Bill to Allow Candidates to Use Campaign Funds for Child Care Expenses
LOS ANGELES – Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez introduced a Council Resolution to support Assembly Bill 220 which would amend the Political Reform Act of 1974 to allow campaign funds to be used for child care by those who choose to run for elected offices in California.
“As a working mother and one of only two women on the Los Angeles City Council, I understand first-hand the financial burden and challenges of running for public office,” said Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez. “Elected women are underrepresented at every level of government — we must do everything we can to remove the barriers and empower more women to enter public service.”
There is currently no official ruling by the California Fair Political Practices Commission or statute in California allowing candidates to use campaign funds for child care purposes. AB 220 applies to all candidates running for office at all levels of government in California. If passed, this bill would reduce barriers for parents with young children, particularly women, to run for office.
In 2018, the Federal Election Commission took action to allow campaign funds to be used for child care expenses for those seeking federal offices. However, this federal decision does not apply to candidates seeking local or state offices.
“Running for office often takes a toll on a candidate’s personal finances. Allowing candidates to use campaign funds for childcare costs that are incurred while campaigning is a simple but significant step towards supporting more diverse representation in elected office,” said Amber Maltbie, immediate-past chair, Emerge CA.
“AB 220 is a simple yet powerful change in state election law which can make our office holders more reflective of the electorate,” said Assemblymember Rob Bonta (D-Oakland), lead author of AB 220. “Parents of young children bring an important perspective to policy-making and should be encouraged to enter the political arena and serve. Our campaign laws should support candidates with young children and reflect our California values of inclusion, equity and opportunity.”
The resolution can be found, here.