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Measure to allow campaign funds for child care expenses glides through first committee hearing

Published

7 months ago

February 18, 2025

Staff Editor

floridaphoenix.com – Mitch Perry – 2025-02-18 09:50:00

Measure to allow campaign funds for child care expenses glides through first committee hearing

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix
February 18, 2025

A proposal to let candidates spend campaign funds used for campaign-related childcare expenses if the expense derives from the candidates’ campaigns advanced unanimously on Tuesday in its first hearing before a legislative committee in Tallahassee.

Existing state law prohibits a candidate or spouse of a candidate from using campaign funds to defray living expenses for them or their family other than for transportation, meals, and lodging for the candidate or family member during a campaign.

A 2018 advisory opinion from the Federal Election Commission declared that campaign funds may be used to pay for a candidate’s childcare expenses incurred directly from campaign activity. Since then, 13 states have enacted their own laws allowing candidates running in state and local contests to use financial contributions for campaign-related child-care expenses.

“The campaign’s funds cannot be used for general family living. They have to be directly tied to a campaign-related event, and they can’t cover just routine childcare,” said South Florida Democratic state Sen. Lori Berman in describing the legislation (SB 72) before the Senate Ethics & Elections Committee.

“I think that this is a great bill because we’re going to encourage more working families, more working parents, to be able to run for office,” she added. “And they certainly bring a different perspective because they are part of the workforce.”

Only about 8% of state legislators around the country are mothers with children under 18, according to a recently released report by the Vote Mama Foundation. That means that they’re represented in state legislatures at less than half the rate they appear in the general population.

A companion to the bill in the House (HB 61) is being sponsored by Sarasota Republican Fiona McFarland & Palm Beach Democrat Kelly Skidmore.

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News from the South - Florida News Feed

Orlando restaurant owner invites artists to parking lot amid federal fight against street art

Published

1 day ago

September 15, 2025

Staff Editor

www.clickorlando.com – Mark Lehman – 2025-09-15 04:00:00

SUMMARY: In response to Florida’s decision to paint over street art on public roads, including the rainbow crosswalk outside the Pulse nightclub, Orlando’s Se7en Bites restaurant owner Trina Gregory is opening 49 parking spaces for local artists to create vibrant artworks. The event, “Parking Spaces for Pride,” will take place Monday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 617 N Primrose Drive. It aims to transform controversy into a community celebration that uplifts Orlando’s LGBTQ+ community, preserving the city’s love for art. Gregory intends to make this an annual event promoting creativity, diversity, and resilience amidst the state’s restrictions on non-uniform traffic markings.

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The post Orlando restaurant owner invites artists to parking lot amid federal fight against street art appeared first on www.clickorlando.com

News from the South - Florida News Feed

Community honors life of 10-year-old Harper Moyski, killed in shooting at Minneapolis church

Published

2 days ago

September 14, 2025

Staff Editor

www.news4jax.com – Associated Press – 2025-09-14 15:33:00

SUMMARY: In Minneapolis, friends and family gathered to honor 10-year-old Harper Moyski, killed in a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School. Harper, remembered as fierce, curious, and unapologetically herself, was one of two children killed alongside 21 injured when a former student opened fire during Mass. Her mother, Jackie Flavin, described Harper as “extra in the very best way,” loving dogs and aspiring to be a veterinarian. Speakers at the outdoor memorial called for an end to gun violence, especially in schools. Rabbi Jason Rodich urged kindness amid societal division, encouraging people to support one another “for Harper.”

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News from the South - Florida News Feed

A look at recent flooding across South Florida

Published

2 days ago

September 14, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – CBS Miami – 2025-09-14 10:58:39

SUMMARY: South Florida is still recovering from a week of severe flooding that made roads nearly impassable, stalled cars, and forced people to wade through water. In Hollywood, upgraded flood pumps and drainage systems helped subside water levels quickly, preventing damage to homes. However, in North Miami, residents along 141st Street report ongoing issues with backed-up drains and street flooding, which disrupt daily life, including doctor visits. The city claims the flooding is due to long tides rather than clogged drains and asserts the area has been checked. Concerns remain about the area’s vulnerability without further drainage maintenance.