Mason Passes Bill Allowing Campaign Funds to be Used for Child Care

GURNEE, Ill. – Serving in public office would be more accessible to working and middle-class parents under legislation supported by state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee. Senate Bill 825 passed out of both chambers earlier this month and now goes to the governor’s desk for final approval.

“For many working parents, the idea of running for office or becoming an elected official just isn’t on the table,” Mason said. “The time commitment involved in serving in public office and campaigning can make it difficult to hold down another job at the same time. Since campaign funds can’t currently be used to pay for child care, this can make it difficult, if not impossible, for many parents to run for office.”

Under current law, neither candidates nor elected officials are allowed to use political dollars to pay for child care. If signed into law, Senate Bill 825 will allow campaign funds to be used to cover the cost of child care if that care is necessary for a candidate or elected official to perform job-related duties. Mason introduced her own initiative, House Bill 3939, earlier this year to allow campaign dollars to be used to pay for child care. Mason also filed a similar bill in the previous General Assembly.

“Financial barriers should never stand in the way of a person being able to become more involved in our democratic process,” Mason said. “This legislation is a big step in the right direction toward making sure everyone, no matter their background or socioeconomic status, is able to run for and serve in public office.”