BOSTON — Massachusetts could become the next state to allow elected officials and political candidates to tap into campaign funds to cover childcare costs.

A proposal tucked into an outside section of the $4 billion economic development bill sent to Gov. Maura Healey by lawmakers last Thursday would, if approved, allow candidates to use their campaign funds to pay for state and local campaign related childcare expenses.

Supporters of the measure, who have pushed for years on Beacon Hill to approve the changes, say allowing candidates to use campaign funds for childcare will help diversify the field of candidates who run for elected office.
#CFFC #campaignfinancereform

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"Massachusetts lawmakers are primed to pass a long-sought change to state law that would allow politicians to cover child care costs using their campaign accounts, removing a barrier for working parents, particularly women, hoping to vie for state or local office.

The measure is among the hundreds of policy riders lawmakers tacked on to a nearly $4 billion economic development bill that is expected to pass the state Legislature on Thursday. Advocates and lawmakers have pushed the proposal for at least seven years, arguing that the ballooning costs for child care in Massachusetts make it difficult for many women to even consider running — either for a seat in a Legislature that remains disproportionately male or one of their local offices."

“We know that moms take the brunt of house work, the child care work. Even if they’re working moms, even if they’re career politicians, they still have to be moms,” said @shaitiaspruell, executive director of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women @masscsw. “This will absolutely increase the number of women running for office — and hopefully the women IN office.” Full #mapoli story via @bostonglobe!

Today’s the day, it’s #ElectionDay – and MCSW wants YOU to vote! Countless women through history have fought for our right to vote. If you have not already voted, you may vote in person at your polling place from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. TODAY, November 5, 2024.

Find your polling place at www.WhereDoIVoteMA.com

If you encounter any issues, @866ourvote can help.

Call or text 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).

Happy Friday before #ElectionDay! It`s the LAST DAY to early vote here in Massachusetts. Go on your lunch break, pop by after work, but if you`re busy next Tuesday, be sure to exercise your rights.

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Happy Halloween from all of us here at the #MCSW! Nothing is scarier than not voting on Election Day. Use your voice and #VOTE!