Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators 
State House, Room 460 
Boston, MA 02133 
www.MAWomensCaucus.com 

September 15, 2021 

The Honorable Barry R. Finegold, Senate Chair 
Joint Committee on Election Laws 
State House, Room 511-A 
Boston, MA 02133 

The Honorable Daniel J. Ryan, House Chair 
Joint Committee on Election Laws 
State House, Room 36 
Boston, MA 02133 

 
Dear Honorable Chairs: 

The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators is pleased to submit testimony in support of S475/H769, An Act supporting parents running for public office, filed by Senator Jehlen, Rep. Connolly, and Rep. Meschino. Following an extensive and thorough process, the Caucus selected this bill as one of just four legislative priorities this session. 

As you know, the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators is a bipartisan and bicameral caucus, this session with a record number 62 members, comprising 31% of the legislature. This session, the Caucus selected three strategic priorities to guide our work: COVID-19's Disparate Impact on Women, Health Access & Racial Disparities, and Empowering Women in Government. An Act supporting parents running for public office fits squarely within our Empowering Women in Government priority, and we look forward to continuing to advocate for its passage. 

Having a young family can be a barrier to running for office in Massachusetts, most notably for women and women of color. Childcare is a necessity for all working parents, including those who run for office. By allowing campaign funds to be used to pay for relevant and reasonable child care expenses, Massachusetts would remove this critical obstacle for parents who seek to serve their communities. This bill, which is consistent with federal law, would amend current campaign finance laws to cover child care expenses that would not exist but for the campaign. Fourteen states have passed similar legislation, including most recently our neighbors Connecticut and Rhode Island, and eleven states have implemented similar policies administratively.  

We are grateful for the work that this Committee did on this legislation last session, which resulted in the convening of a Commission under the leadership of Chair Finegold and Chair Lawn. The refiled legislation that we write in support of today is consistent with the recommendations of that Commission.  

By passing this bill, Massachusetts will create a common sense and equitable solution to the strong barriers that working parents face while running for office. Now more than ever, diverse candidate pools that include parents are critical to have at the decision-making table as we recover from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Diverse voices make sound policy, strong communities, and increase representation that is key to an inclusive and equitable state. 

As a legislative priority of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators, we request that you give An Act supporting parents running for public office a favorable report. Thank you for your review of this bill and your work on the many other critical matters before our Commonwealth.  Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, or if we can be of assistance.  

Sincerely,    

Senator Joan B. Lovely 
Representative Patricia A. Haddad 
Co-Chairs, Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators