California Assembly OKs Campaign Spending On Child Care

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Candidates running for office in California could use campaign donations to pay for childcare costs under legislation approved by the state Assembly on Tuesday.

California law generally prohibits candidates from using campaign funds for personal expenses.

But the proposed law would allow campaigns to pay for daycare, babysitting, nannying or after school programs while a candidate is on the trail.

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Backers argue the bipartisan bill will remove barriers for candidates interested in running for office and encourage more diversity in politics. But some lawmakers say it seems elitist at a time when childcare is unaffordable for many.

The Federal Election Commission said last year that a campaign could cover a congressional candidate's childcare costs in some circumstances.

The measure, Assembly Bill 220, goes next to the state Senate.