POINTS TO PONDER
Issue 06-04
From CSFC President Helen Zajac
CATEGORY: Legislation July 19, 2006
Subject: NARFE Political Action Committee
(PAC)
As I visit chapters in the state, I am asked questions about NARFE-PAC and I hear comments from members regarding NARFE-PAC. Although the NARFE Magazine had an extensive article in the March 2006 Issue, Pages 16 – 20, it would appear that some items are not clear to our members. I would like to clarify a few items for all members. I encourage those of you who receive this information to share it with all members of your chapters via your chapter newsletter.
The amount of monies contributed by 6,609 individuals, and credited to Chapters as of July 10, 2006, in California is $142,230.65. This report is posted on the CA Web Site, www.csfcnarfe.org and can be found by using the search feature by typing the words, NARFE PAC. The report is complete as of the 6th Quarter of the 109th Congress (there are 8 quarters in each two year session of Congress) and lists the total amount of monies contributed by individuals in chapters and credited to the Chapter. In addition, the amount of monies paid to each Congressional Candidate during the quarter is also identified.
NARFE-PAC is often called the “Retiree’s Defense Fund”. It has been in existence for 24 years and is closely governed by the rules and regulation of the Federal Election Commission (FEC). NARFE-PAC is non-partisan, and will support the candidate of either party – as long as they support NARFE’s policies for retaining our federal earned benefits. Our PAC fund is not an attempt to “buy” a politician’s vote, only to make them aware that our members are willing to contribute their own money (which is not tax deductible) to this fund, and because of that, they know that our members will vote.
NARFE-PAC encourages contributions from members, but there should be no attempt to force any member to contribute. If a member contributes at least $15 to NARFE-PAC, they are entitled to receive a NARFE-PAC pin which they can proudly wear to show all that they are supporting NARFE’s efforts to retain our earned benefits. NARFE dues are NOT used for any NARFE-PAC efforts.
Chapter or Federation funds are not permitted as contributions to NARFE-PAC. All contributions must be separate, voluntary contributions from NARFE members.
Please be aware that NO NARFE-PAC money is allowed to be placed in any Chapter or Federation Treasury. NO Chapter or Federation checks may be used to transmit funds to NARFE Headquarters. Checks collected from members at a chapter meeting must be forwarded directly to NARFE Headquarters. Cash contributions made to Chapter NARFE-PAC coordinators may be converted into one personal check and forwarded to NARFE Headquarters with a list of the individuals making the contribution and the amount each individual contributed. Chapters or Federations may NOT use raffles or bake sales to raise monies for NARFE-PAC. The regulations governing these transactions are complex and the possibility of violating them is great.
Contributions to Congressional Candidates are made with the recommendations of the Chapter President, through the District Vice President and the Federation NARFE-PAC Coordinator. (More details on this process are provided in Points to Ponder 02-01.) Once the recommendation is received by the Legislative Assistant at NARFE, those comments are presented to the Legislative Staff and the National Resident Officers (National President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer). After careful consideration of these recommendations, as well as the voting record of the Congressional Candidate, the final decision whether or not to contribute to the candidate are made, as well as how much to contribute. Contributions are made to only one candidate in each individual race. Generally no contributions are given to primary campaign candidates who are running for a first time office.
Based on the amount of the contribution, there may be an opportunity for chapter officers/members in a particular congressional district to attend an event, sponsored by the Congressional Candidate. This opportunity is provided to the members, without cost to them, to attend the event, wear their NARFE badge and make their presence known to the Congressional Candidate. It is always good to introduce yourself to the Congressman and thank them for their support of our issues, or ask for their support of our issues, if they are not currently cosponsoring one of our key legislative issues.
If you have any questions, please contact me.:
Helen Zajac
CSFC President
HLZ17@aol.com
707-644-7565