Transcript Political Action Committee TXPAC

POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
TXPAC
Why Participation is Important
WHAT IS PAC?
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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
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Donations collected for candidates who are running for
federal office such as congress or president
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Funds donated to the BLET PAC are 50/50 National use and State
use for federal elections.
State PACs - TXPAC
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Donations collected for use in state elections such as
governor, representative, or senator.
TXPAC PURPOSE
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.
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WHY PACS ARE IMPORTANT
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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
2008 RAILROAD PAC FUNDS
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BNSF
 Donations
received
$1,276,472.64
 Candidate Contributions $1,036,000.00
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Union Pacific Railroad
 Donations
received
$1,275,128.80
 Candidate Contributions $1,039,300.00
2008 BLET PAC FUND
Contributions
 Donations
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$420,715.78
$263,550.00
GOALS
Set goals for PAC donations in your division
 Keep PAC forms readily available for members
 Attend monthly meetings and encourage
members to sign up
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POWER
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.
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