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Why Participation is Important. Political Action Committee TXPAC. PAC stands for political action committee Special organizations set up for the purpose of collecting contributions from large numbers of people for the purpose of making contributions to campaigns and candidates.
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Why Participation is Important Political Action CommitteeTXPAC
PAC stands for political action committee • Special organizations set up for the purpose of collecting contributions from large numbers of people for the purpose of making contributions to campaigns and candidates. • Federal PACs – BLET PAC • Donations collected for candidates who are running for federal office such as congress or president • Funds donated to the BLET PAC are 50/50 National use and State use for federal elections. • State PACs - TXPAC • Donations collected for use in state elections such as governor, representative, or senator. What is PAC?
Keeping members and families informed on key issues affecting our future Rallies, news conferences, advertisements, and phone banks to build support on issues of concern to working people Voter registration and financial support for political candidates who will stand up for working families TXPAC funds work for retired members and their spouses living in Texas by working on current issues which may affect them. TXPAC Purpose
TXPAC directly impacts the TSLB’s ability to lobby Texas Legislators effectively • PACs can contribute more money to candidates than individuals • Railroads and other large corporations are constantly lobbying for legislation that helps their bottom line and foregoes the safety of the worker. • Anti-rail labor interests routinely spend huge amounts of money to elect candidates hostile to unions. • A strong and effective TXPAC is needed to fight for us and promote BLE&Ts interests in the political process Why pacs are important
BNSF • Donations received $1,276,472.64 • Candidate Contributions $1,036,000.00 • Union Pacific Railroad • Donations received $1,275,128.80 • Candidate Contributions $1,039,300.00 2008 railroad PAC Funds
Contributions $420,715.78 Donations $263,550.00 2008 BLET PAC Fund
Set goals for PAC donations in your division Keep PAC forms readily available for members Attend monthly meetings and encourage members to sign up goals
Elect politicians who will respond to our interests Influence legislation and regulations to take into account our concerns Stop those who try to take away our jobs, harm rail safety, or infringe upon our rights as workers. Give us the power to fight in Austin and Washington for your rights and safety. Power