INDIANAPOLIS — With the release of the Indiana Election Commission’s advisory opinion on campaign funds to cover childcare expenses, several Indiana lawmakers said they anticipate more parents of young children to start running for office.
”When I was looking to run, this was a barrier,” State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D, Fishers) said. ”I’m really excited to see a new generation of moms and dads enter the political landscape at all levels, town council, city councils, the statehouse, and at the federal level.”
The Vote Mama Foundation said nationwide, roughly 90 candidates have used campaign funds for childcare expenses.
”That’s an over 2,000% increase since 2018,” Sarah Hague with the Vote Mama Foundation said.
According to Hague, less than 1% of Indiana state legislators were mothers of minor children in 2022.
”We’re crafting policies that are impacting mothers, maternal healthcare, child care access where these conversations are missing a vital voice,” Hague said.
Under this ruling, candidates in Indiana can use funds for childcare expenses while out on the campaign trial or while in office.
”Being able to use those campaign funds to cover that child care cost will make it accessible not only to run, but also serve in the Indiana State Legislature,” Hague said.
In its advisory opinion, the Election Commission requested that the General Assembly codify the decision into law. It’s unclear if the General Assembly will entertain that request anytime soon.
