The IGNITE Minute: The power of parents in office

Dear friends,

When Jocelyn Yow was pregnant with her son, the parking spaces in Eastvale, CA, were so narrow and inaccessible that she had to climb through the trunk of her car to the driver's seat.

After being elected to City Council, however, the young mother worked to ensure that parks and community centers had family parking spaces available. She also had changing tables installed in restrooms across the city, and successfully advocated for the passage of a fully paid, 12 week parental leave for most employees in the city of Eastvale.

Being a parent allows Jocelyn to recognize the ways her city can be safer and healthier for families. That empathy continues to drive her service as a Council Member, and as IGNITE’s Advocacy Director.

The urge to create a more equitable country for one’s children to grow up in can make parenthood a driving force behind the decision to run for office. However, the demands of the home can also be a deterrent. In many states, public service doesn’t do much to help pay the bills - Texas lawmakers earn $7,200 annually, while legislators in New Mexico do not earn a salary at all (NCSL).

According to Vote Mama Foundation, 40 states (plus DC) have authorized the use of campaign funds for childcare so far - in fact, IGNITE played an instrumental role in advocating for Massachusetts to pass this law (H.669/ S.42) at our 2024 IGNITE the Capitol in Boston. 

However, only 16 states allow candidates to use their privately raised campaign dollars on broader dependent care. Only 15 allow office holders to use their campaign funds to pay for childcare costs directly related to official duties.

This means that many parents in public service often need to bring their children to work with them. When Texas House Democrats went to D.C. in 2021 to prevent the passing of certain legislation in their state, Representative Erin Zwiener’s then three year-old daughter accompanied her. The 19th writes, “She colored quietly during meetings, her pint-sized presence a reminder of the future they were fighting for.”

(Photo courtesy of The 19th)

We can make public office a more attainable goal for parents by advocating for policies that support livable salaries for legislators, family and medical leave, and the option to participate in legislative activities remotely when needed, for starters. 

As IGNITE creates our legislative agenda for the 2025-2026 year, we’d love to know if this issue resonates with you. What other barriers to public service do you recognize in your community? Drop me a line and let’s get advocating.

Onward,

Sara Guillermo, IGNITE CEO