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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 2, 2023 11:12 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Jennifer O'Mara |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Campaign funds for Childcare Expenses |
| As you know, running for public office can be a full-time job, requiring a lot of time and energy to meet with constituents, attend events, and raise funds. For parents, especially those with young children, and individuals taking care of adult dependents, the demands of campaigning can be even more difficult to balance than a typical job with defined hours. Child and dependent care costs represent a significant barrier to entry for individuals, especially women, looking to enter public service. If only those who can pay care costs out of pocket can afford to run for office, we prevent our representative democracy from having representatives that truly reflect their constituents. That is why I am introducing legislation to allow candidates for office to expense child and dependent care costs to their campaign while they seek to enter public service. By allowing candidates to expense the cost of care to their campaign, we are promoting fairness and equality for all potential candidates, regardless of their family situation. This would remove a major roadblock that exists for many eminently qualified individuals who are called to public service, increasing the number and quality of candidates able to serve the public good. Please join me in eliminating this barrier and ensure that working parents have a seat at the table by sponsoring this important legislation. |