Campaign donations can be used to cover child care, says Wisconsin Ethics Commission

Decision inspired by state treasurer candidate

Rose Schmidt by Rose Schmidt

The Wisconsin Ethics Commission issued a formal opinion this week, saying Wisconsin candidates could use campaign funds to cover the costs of child care in Wisconsin while they’re campaigning.

Cynthia Kaump, a Democrat running for state treasurer, asked the commission to weigh in on the issue after the Federal Election Commission issued a similar ruling for federal candidates in May. She said she raised the question not so much for herself but for parents all around the state.

“If someone has the leadership skills and they have the desire to run for public office, there is nothing that should stand in their way — certainly not the cost of child care,” Kaump told News 3.

Kaump is a single mother to her 9-year-old daughter, Finnoulay. She said her daughter doesn’t always want to travel to her campaign events.

“You hustle, you make it work, but it’s not fair to the children. It’s their summer break, especially my daughter. This is her summer. She doesn’t want to be riding in a car all over the state of Wisconsin,” Kaump said.

For example, Kaump was scheduled to go to an event Thursday night in Wausau and asked Finnoulay’s grandmother to watch her for the evening.

Finding and paying for a caregiver is just one challenge parents face when deciding whether to run for office, said Analiese Eicher, who is on the board of directors for Emerge Wisconsin.

“Oftentimes in political campaigns, the events are at hours of the day that a traditional day care center or a school wouldn’t necessarily be open,” Eicher said.

News 3 also asked Kaump’s opponents to weigh in on the issue.

“I am fully supportive of the Wisconsin Ethics Commission’s decision to bring state law in line with existing federal campaign finance regulations,” Sarah Godlewski said.

“Our campaign finance system is a disappointment. It allows individuals like my opponent, who manages millions in investments, to have their special interests pay for their personal expenses. I believe we need to reform our campaign finance system to limit the role of special interests and motivate politicians to focus on voters, not political donors,” Travis Hartwig said.

“Donations should not be used on personal use but towards campaigning. If it’s fair for her, what can I use mine for if my son is grown and no longer needs child care? It should be fair for all, male or female,” Jill Millies said.

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