The Federal Managers Association?s Political Action Committee (FMA-PAC) is a powerful tool used to improve the clout of FMA with elected officials and support Members of Congress who support our issues. Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the FMA-PAC.
WHAT IS FMA-PAC?
FMA-PAC stands for Federal Managers Association Political Action Committee. It is the political arm of FMA and an important part of FMA?s legislative operation.
WHY DO WE HAVE FMA-PAC?
FMA-PAC represents the only way under federal law that FMA can contribute to candidates for federal office. FMA-PAC only contributes to Senate and House incumbents and candidates.
WHAT HAS FMA-PAC ACHIEVED?
FMA-PAC has gained tremendous benefits for federal managers. The access that FMA-PAC contributions provide has assisted FMA in building stronger relationships with Members of Congress and their staff on issues of importance to FMA. FMA-PAC funds are helping FMA create a more visible and credible image on Capitol Hill and clout with the Administration.
WHY DOESN?T FMA USE SOME OF MY DUES MONEY TO MAKE A POLITICAL CONTRIBUTION?
Federal law prohibits FMA from using FMA dues for political purposes. We must rely solely on voluntary contributions to raise money for FMA-PAC.
HOW DOES FMA RAISE MONEY FOR FMA-PAC?
Since 1993,the Hatch Act no longer prohibits FMA members from making contributions to FMA-PAC. However, FMA, as a federal employee organization, is limited in how it can raise FMA-PAC funds. The Hatch Act prohibits federal employees from directly or indirectly soliciting, receiving, collecting, handling, disbursing or accounting for contributions for partisan political purposes. This means that FMA chapters should enlist the help of retired associate members in the solicitation and handling of PAC contributions. At all times possible, use personal (non-governmental) e-mail addresses for members and send all PAC-related correspondence from home during off-duty hours. If someone has not provided a personal email address, the next best method of sending PAC-related email would be to use their government e-mail address to send a message, but include in the subject line: "Forward to personal e-mail address." Thereby, the employee would not be opening the e-mail during on-duty hours or in a government building. It is also necessary to know what regulations each specific agency has regarding the use of government-owned equipment and on-duty time for political activity. Money for PAC may be raised by:
- Payroll deduction (PRD). All FMA members are requested to contribute just $5.00 per pay period (although contributions as little as $1 will be accepted). PRD is the easiest method of collecting contributions. If just 10% of our membership donated $5.00 per pay period there would be enough to provide full support of the ideal donation plan developed by our Executive Director and Government Affairs Department.
- Fundraiser Events (such as raffles at Chapter meetings) and Special Promotions. Chapters conducting fundraisers must assure that PAC contributions are used to reimburse the sponsoring organization for that portion of the cost of prizes or entertainment that exceeds one-third of the amount raised in contributions.
- Individual contributions collected at Chapter meetings and at the National Convention and the Mid-Year Conference.
HOW MUCH CAN AN FMA MEMBER CONTRIBUTE TO FMA-PAC?
An FMA-PAC contributor can give up to $10,000 in an election cycle, with $5,000 for the primary election and $5,000 for the general election. There are no restrictions on the aggregate amounts of donations that may arise within FMA chapters or zones.
WHAT CRITERIA ARE USED TO DECIDE WHO RECEIVES FMA-PAC FUNDS?
FMA exercises great care in deciding which Members of Congress should receive FMA-PAC funds. FMA establishes an ideal donation plan for each Congress using the following criteria:
- The Member?s voting record on FMA issues;
- Relevant leadership or committee assignments; and
- The relationship between the Member and FMA Chapters.
Chapter Presidents and Region Directors can recommend donation amounts to the FMA-PAC Committee for a given candidate/chapter.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF CONTRIBUTIONS REQUIRED TO SUPPORT THE IDEAL DONATION PLAN ARE NOT FORTHCOMING?
Depending upon the amount of contributions received, a priority scale will be established. Chapter contributions will be one major consideration in determining which Member of Congress receives what amount. Chapter willingness to participate in local fundraisers will also be weighed.
WHO CAN DONATE TO FMA-PAC?
Only FMA Members are legally allowed to give money to FMA-PAC. Chapter dues are prohibited from being used for political purposes, including donations to FMA-PAC. Donations to FMA-PAC are not tax deductible.
For more information on the FMA-PAC, please contact Brian Davis, at 703.683.8700 or via e-mail at bdavis@fedmanagers.org.