COLUMBIA, S.C. — In the 2022 South Carolina State Legislature, mothers with minor children comprised just 2% of the elected representatives.
Aiming to encourage a more diverse political landscape, a proposed bill would allow campaign funds to be allocated towards childcare.
Representative Spencer Wetmore, a Democrat from Charleston and a mother of two, is the bill's lead sponsor. She described the challenges of running for office while balancing motherhood.
"It was incredibly insane," said Wetmore.
It's a move that echoes a 2018 decision by the Federal Election Commission allowing federal candidates to spend campaign money on childcare.
The bill would codify an existing House Ethics opinion and expand the definition to include candidates for all levels of government.
"I really, truly believe that in order to move our state forward, we need to bring more families to the table," she emphasized.
The proposed bipartisan bill has gained support not only from Democrats like Wetmore but also from Republican men and women.
Wetmore is partnering with organizations like the Vote Mama Foundation and the Women's Rights and Empowerment Network (WREN) on the issue.
"Just as important as getting yard signs and a political consultant for their campaign to conduct their campaign. some hours of child care may be just as vital to their campaign," said Wetmore.
This allowance would apply to licensed facilities --only when the candidate is actively engaging in campaign activities.
"If you already have a child in daycare, you certainly couldn't use campaign funds for that," said Wetmore.
Some voters, like Cameron Acosta and Amy Orselli, expressed openness to the idea.
Acosta stated, "If they're going to do it for politicians or any campaign, I feel like they should do stuff like that for people who are just as important."
"I think, if nothing else, it's bringing a lot of attention to a topic that needs to be discussed," said Orselli.
The bill's fate hangs in the balance until lawmakers return in January, and if passed, it would take effect upon the governor's signature.
If successful, South Carolina would join 30 other states that currently allow campaign funds to be used for childcare expenses.
"We wouldn't be blazing a new trail here," said Wetmore.