Use of Campaign Funds for Childcare (H 5289, S 60)

Currently, candidates can use campaign funds for a broad and disparate range of expenses, from graduation gifts to wine and meals. The Federal Election Commission has previously concluded that childcare, if the need for childcare arises as a result of campaign activities, can additionally be a permissible usage of campaign funding. Although the balancing of family and politics is always difficult, it is a particular burden for female candidates, and this legislation will further promote involvement in democracy for a more diverse group of candidates and formally codify the FEC decision into Rhode Island election law. Positively, this bill passed.