CAMFT PAC/Federal PAC
CAMFT can't change the system. But CAMFT must be able to work within the political and legislative system as it exists in California and Washington. Political Action is a necessary accompaniment to our legislative program. All things considered, we have been successful with very limited political action funds; but think how much of a difference we could make with greater Political Action Resources. This letter will help you understand the process, how political action impacts legislation, and how it benefits you and your profession.
PAC Stands for Political Action Committee
CAMFT has CAMFT-PAC for state political action and CAMFT Federal PAC for federal political action. These PACs are used to make political contributions to legislators to help them reduce the large campaign debts that they amass. Legislators are dependent upon such contributions to pay off that debt. The PACs are not used for legislative activities. CAMFT resources fully fund CAMFTs involvement in state and federal legislation.
You might ask, "Why can't we just use CAMFTs resources to fund political action?" We do not because we can't it is not lawful. CAMFTs resources, derived largely from your dues, can be used to underwrite legislative programs at both the state and federal level, however, member dues and other Association resources may not be used for political contributions. Each of CAMFTs PACs has its own bylaws and functions as a separate entity. We use a law firm in Sacramento to administer the PACs to make certain that we do everything according to the letter of the law.
PAC Dollars Help To Build Good Relationships With Legislators
PAC contributions opens doors. Our PAC contributions are used to participate in fundraisers where CAMFT and our lobbyist are able to socialize with legislators, their staffs, and others with whom we can build relationships. The lobbyist, who regularly attends these events, makes it clear that he is attending on our behalf. CAMFT gives its PAC dollars to legislators who are champions for our cause and supporters of the profession.
PAC Contributions Are NOT Used To Buy Votes!
In fact, it is unlawful to tie a contribution to a request for a vote on a bill. Contributions and requests for support are kept separate and are distinct from one another. Other competing professions and organizations build a war chest of PAC funds, and often contribute over $1 million per year in expenditures from their PACs (like the CA Medical Association and the CA Association of Consumer Attorneys).
Obviously, these organizations get attention. We often to go head to head with these organizations in the legislature. CAMFT, on the other hand, collects about $20,000 per year in political action contributions. Think how much of a difference we could make with greater PAC resources.
CAMFT Has Been Successful With Very Limited PAC Funds
Think about it, CAMFT has 27,500 members. If each member gave only $10, a PAC fund of $275,000 would be the result. If this figure were split between the Federal and State PAC, we would have nearly seven times what we currently receive in each fund. The amount given need not be great if everyone gave something. For example, if each member gave only $1 per PAC, we would have a fund greater than we currently collect in any given year.
The Amount Given Does Not Need To Be Huge; But Giving Something Is Important!
Cast the expense in light of a minor luxury forgone like a Starbucks Frappachino for two days. It takes only a couple cups of coffee to equal a worthwhile PAC contribution. The PACs are necessary accompaniments to our legislative program.
CAMFT Can't Change The System
The system is what it is and the only thing we can do is operate within it. To be successful in furthering the interests of marriage and family therapists, we must be one of the players by making political action contributions.
CAMFT-PAC and CAMFT Federal PAC help to ensure that your future and the future of your profession are not only protected, but enhanced. Don't put it off; take the time to send your checks, no matter how large or small, to CAMFT-PAC and CAMFT Federal PAC.
When you submit your PAC contributions, it is necessary for us to have certain information from you. Therefore, we ask that you also take the time to complete the information on the PAC Contribution Form prior to enclosing your contributions. We thank you for understanding the value that political action adds to the process of moving the profession forward.