The Oklahoma Ethics Commission issued an advisory opinion Friday authorizing candidates to use campaign funds for caregiving expenses. The group met at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Kyle Phillips/For Oklahoma Voice)
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma has joined 33 other states in allowing candidates running for office to use campaign funds for dependent care, effective immediately.
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission issued an advisory opinion Friday, permitting candidates who are primary caregivers to use campaign funds to pay for care of dependents such as children, people with disabilities or elderly relatives.
The official opinion defines caregiving expenses as a “ordinary and necessary campaign expense” rather than a “personal use” expense. The opinion applies to officeholders as well as candidates.
The care is considered personal use when the need for it would “exist irrespective of that candidate’s campaign.” If the expense is incurred as a result of the candidate’s campaign or an official event, then it qualifies as a campaign expense.