ATLANTA – State Representatives Stacey Evans (D-Atlanta) and Beth Camp (R-Concord) today announced that the State Ethics Commission has approved their bipartisan request to allow candidates for public office to utilize campaign contributions for childcare expenses incurred due to campaign-related activities. Reps. Evans and Camp submitted the request on behalf of all caregivers who seek and/or hold public office in Georgia.
“As state representatives and mothers, we know firsthand the importance this ruling is in order to fairly run for office and represent our constituents,” said Rep. Evans. “I want to thank the commission for issuing a clear opinion that respects the unique needs for caregivers who serve in public office. Representation matters, and this request will empower many more mothers, fathers and caregivers to serve as state legislators while they are still raising children.”
“Campaign funds are meant to be used to help a candidate get or remain elected,” said Rep. Camp. “Individuals with children often struggle to cover childcare expenses, which creates a burdensome situation for those who desire to serve in public office. We need all citizens to serve on all levels of government, including parents with children at home and those who care for disabled or aging members of their households. I applaud the commission’s decision to view childcare the same way as other essential expenses for officials to do their elected job, like housing during session.”
The bipartisan request asked that the State Ethics Commission determine whether dependent care expenses incurred in connection with running for office or holding public office in Georgia would be considered personal use or a permissible campaign expenditure.
The commission advised that caregiving expenses may be considered as an ordinary and necessary expense for a candidate, campaign committee, public officer holding elective office or member of their staff to expend campaign contributions.
In its finding, the commission advised candidates and public officials to exercise caution when utilizing campaign funds for childcare or dependent care. The commission noted that campaign funds should not be utilized for child or dependent care when the cost is incurred by non-campaign or non-public office activities.
The commission’s opinion specifies that these caregiving expenses would apply for a child or other person with a disability or a medical condition for which a candidate has direct caregiving responsibility.
*Editor’s Note: Reps. Evans and Camp’s official request and the commission’s opinion are attached.
Representative Stacey Evans represents the citizens of District 57, which includes portions of Fulton County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2011 and re-elected in 2020. She currently serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and the Judiciary, Retirement, Technology and Infrastructure Innovation and Urban Affairs committees.
Representative Beth Camp represents the citizens of District 135, which includes portions of Lamar, Pike and Upson counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2020 and currently serves as Chairman of the Intragovernmental Coordination Committee. She also serves on the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Juvenile Justice, State Planning & Community Affairs and Ways & Means committees.
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