| Q: |
What is ACEC/PAC? |
| A: |
The American Council of Engineering Companies Political Action Committee (ACEC/PAC) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization formed in 1975 to benefit ACEC members through support of our legislative program. It is registered under the Federal Election Campaign Act passed by Congress in 1971. In addition to federal election laws, ACEC/PAC complies with all applicable state and local laws. ACEC/PAC accepts voluntary contributions from eligible ACEC members and, in the interests of ACEC and all ACEC members, uses these funds to support candidates for elective offices. |
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| Q: |
Why is our organization involved in politics? |
| A: |
Our political system is designed to accommodate the diverse views and concerns of many interest groups across the country, including our own. We must be involved in the competition of ideas or each of us stands to lose. These are the political facts of life. Governmental decisions on the issues that affect the engineering industry can have a decided impact on your business and the future success of our industry. It is critical we help to elect decision-makers who understand our concerns and who will be open-minded to our views. |
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| Q: |
I hear all the time that PACs are trying to buy Congress. Is this statement true? |
| A: |
Absolutely not. PACs, like political parties, are simply groups of like-minded individuals who pool their resources to achieve a common goal. Our PAC supports candidates for office who share ACEC's political philosophy and values. |
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| Q: |
Why can't ACEC make contributions to candidates directly? |
| A: |
The Federal Election Campaign Act prohibits corporations or trade associations from using general treasury funds to make federal election contributions. Only contributions from individuals and political action committees are allowed, thus permitting organizations to set up political committees to make contributions to federal candidates and other committees on behalf of its employees. |
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| Q: |
How is ACEC/PAC money spent? |
| A: |
ACEC/PAC is bipartisan. We support those candidates whose positions and decisions have the greatest impact on ACEC members. Contributions to candidates are based on the following criteria:
- The candidate's position on specific issues affecting the engineering industry;
- A candidate's current or potential committee assignments and leadership positions;
- A candidate's voting record;
- The opinions of ACEC/PAC contributors, executive directors, and trustees within the state or district.
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| Q: |
How will I know what happens to my contribution? |
| A: |
ACEC/PAC operates "in the open." The amount it contributes and the recipients of the contributions are public knowledge. We file monthly reports with the Federal Elections Commission. You may access these reports at http://www.fec.gov/. |
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| Q: |
What are the solicitation goals of ACEC/PAC? |
| A: |
ACEC members have set an aggressive goal to raise $1 million per year for ACEC/PAC by 2010, which can be done if each state meets their annual State PAC Goal. Achieving this goal will enable ACEC to be an even stronger force in the political arena. |
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| Q: |
Are contributions to ACEC/PAC tax deductible? |
| A: |
No, contributions to PACs are not tax deductible under the Tax Reform Act of 1986. |
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| Q: |
Whom should I contact if I want to learn more about ACEC/PAC? |
| A: |
Please contact Greg Knopp at gknopp@acec.org or Elizabeth Coit at ecoit@acec.org with questions about ACEC/PAC. |
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