To most people, the word PAC sounds like what you do before you go on a vacation. For that strange animal that is the political process, PAC means something entirely different. In the political world a PAC (political action committee) is a committee formed by business, labor, or other interest groups to raise money and make contributions to the campaigns of political candidates whom they support.
Political Action Committees give organizations (like PA state chapters) the ability to get the attention of the legislature. A PAC contribution is an important means of rewarding legislators who are supportive of the goals of PAs. PAC contributions are a tangible way of showing approval and support. Do they work? One senator is quoted as saying "I've had people contribute to my campaign, and they get access; the others get good government."
Is making a PAC donation ethical? It is as ethical as volunteering for a campaign, going to a fundraiser, or putting a sign on your front lawn. As opposed to these individual ways of assisting a candidate, PAC contributions are a way of aggregating and quantifying good will toward elected officials. By contributing to your state's PAC you can see that a legislator receives help from "all the state's PAs."
Even if you're not a fan of money in politics, taking a personal stand to that point only leads to having less of a comparative voice in the process. Money talks, in fact, it is considered political speech. Putting your money where your mouth is reinforces the perception of an organization's dedication to a goal.
PACs are a halfway point between campaigning and lobbying. Politicians can't stay in office and do the good things we want them to do if they don't have the resources to campaign successfully. PACs allow organizations to help the campaigns (and thus support the longevity of tenure) of friendly politicians. In the same vein, they work to challenge people who oppose useful legislation. PACs allow groups to have some influence over the composition of the legislature whose rules govern them. When used in combination with grassroots support and professional lobbying efforts, PACs can increase the legislative effectiveness of PAs.
The clinical role of PAs is largely determined by decisions made by legislators and regulators. Your state chapter needs your support for its initiatives. Chapters want to have a successful legislative year and to do everything they can to increase their effectiveness. Sending a check is a quick and easy way to give your chapter your support. It's an investment in your professional future.
Political Action Committees give organizations (like PA state chapters) the ability to get the attention of the legislature. A PAC contribution is an important means of rewarding legislators who are supportive of the goals of PAs. PAC contributions are a tangible way of showing approval and support. Do they work? One senator is quoted as saying "I've had people contribute to my campaign, and they get access; the others get good government."
Is making a PAC donation ethical? It is as ethical as volunteering for a campaign, going to a fundraiser, or putting a sign on your front lawn. As opposed to these individual ways of assisting a candidate, PAC contributions are a way of aggregating and quantifying good will toward elected officials. By contributing to your state's PAC you can see that a legislator receives help from "all the state's PAs."
Even if you're not a fan of money in politics, taking a personal stand to that point only leads to having less of a comparative voice in the process. Money talks, in fact, it is considered political speech. Putting your money where your mouth is reinforces the perception of an organization's dedication to a goal.
PACs are a halfway point between campaigning and lobbying. Politicians can't stay in office and do the good things we want them to do if they don't have the resources to campaign successfully. PACs allow organizations to help the campaigns (and thus support the longevity of tenure) of friendly politicians. In the same vein, they work to challenge people who oppose useful legislation. PACs allow groups to have some influence over the composition of the legislature whose rules govern them. When used in combination with grassroots support and professional lobbying efforts, PACs can increase the legislative effectiveness of PAs.
The clinical role of PAs is largely determined by decisions made by legislators and regulators. Your state chapter needs your support for its initiatives. Chapters want to have a successful legislative year and to do everything they can to increase their effectiveness. Sending a check is a quick and easy way to give your chapter your support. It's an investment in your professional future.
