Legislation will allow campaign funds to be used for caregiving expenses
State Rep. Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) speaks on the House floor on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the Capitol Building in Lansing.
LANSING, Mich., May 9, 2025 — State Rep. Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) introduced House Bill 4480 yesterday to allow campaign finance funds to be used for caregiving expenses. This legislation is a reintroduction of former state Rep. Rachel Hood’s House Bill 4413 from last term.
“This bill is about breaking down systemic barriers that have kept too many qualified, passionate people — especially women and single parents — on the sidelines of our democracy. No one should have to choose between caring for their loved ones and serving their community. In today’s world, many people find themselves in the “sandwich generation,” being both parents to young children and caregivers for elderly parents or relatives. These responsibilities, and the large price tag associated with child care and elder care, make it incredibly difficult for those in the sandwich generation to run for elected office, at a time when their perspective is needed most. Holding elected office should not be reserved only for retirees without caregiving responsibilities or for the wealthiest among us. This small change has the potential to make a big impact on who gets to lead and whose voices are heard,” Rheingans said.
Candidates for federal office have been allowed to use funds for child care since 2018, and several other states have also followed suit.
“We talk a lot about representation, but it can’t just be a buzzword — we have to back it up with real policy that supports candidates from all walks of life. I ran for office to help inspire the next generation of leaders to use their God-given talents to give back and serve their communities. That means removing the barriers that prevent everyday people — especially caregivers, single parents and working-class individuals — from stepping into leadership. This bill does exactly that. It’s about building a government that truly reflects the people it serves,” said state Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit).
The bill aims to level the playing field for single moms and others with caregiving responsibilities, making elected office more accessible and encouraging more women to run.
“As a mommy legislator, I know firsthand the numerous responsibilities it takes to serve in office while raising a family. Women — especially mothers — face unique financial and logistical hurdles when they step up to lead. Whether it’s finding affordable child care or balancing caregiving responsibilities with campaigning, the deck is often stacked against us. This legislation helps remove one of those hurdles and sends a powerful message: caregivers belong in public office, and their voices are not just welcome — they’re essential,” said state Rep. Mai Xiong (D-Warren).
Companion legislation is expected to be introduced by state Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) soon.
“Vote Mama Lobby has been at the forefront of the fight to make Campaign Funds for Childcare (CFCC) the norm — not the exception. More than three-quarters of the country has now approved CFCC, and last November, a coalition of moms in Michigan came together to push for change — leading to a decisive ruling from Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson that made Michigan the 38th state to authorize CFCC,” said Liuba Grechen Shirley, founder and CEO of Vote Mama Lobby. “Now, leaders like Rep. Carrie Rheingans are building on that progress — introducing legislation to codify CFCC into state law, which is exactly what we consider the gold standard. When CFCC is protected by legislation, it not only normalizes its use but ensures candidates have the clarity and confidence to use campaign funds for caregiving.”
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