Candidates can use campaign funds for child care in most states, but few do
A growing number of states are allowing candidates for local and state office to use their campaign dollars to pay for child care expenses
Georgia Democratic Sen. Kim Jackson has two boys — a 3-year-old and a 4-month old. Her older son attends daycare but finding someone to watch him when Jackson is campaigning for reelection in the evenings and on weekends is a tricky scheduling and financial puzzle.
“It’s really hard to be accessible to your constituents if you’re not accessible during non-traditional daycare hours,” Jackson said.
Georgia started allowing candidates to use money from their campaign finances to pay for child care costs in 2023. Jackson is taking advantage of the policy for the first time this year after she and her wife adopted their eldest son last year.
“So much of me needing child care is about being able to do my job, which is to be with the people,” Jackson said. “These funds make that easier.”
