Political Action Committee Information
 
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POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE

U.S. PAC & STATE PAC

WHAT IS PAC?

·         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 – TX-PAC

·         Donations collected for use in state elections such as governor, representative, or senator.

TX-PAC 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.

WHY PARTICIPATION IS IMPORTANT

·         TX-PAC directly impacts the Texas State Legislative Boards 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.

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.

 

For more information please follow the links below to the pdf informational forms.

 

TSLB TX PAC                                            BLET PAC

 

03/08/2009

Dear Brothers:

Let me take this opportunity to share my concerns regarding the status of BLET-PAC Fund support by division members.  Personally, I have observed the growing impact that legislative bodies have upon our livelihoods, job security, wages and working conditions over the past three decades.  ( 3 contracts, random drug testing, certification, Amtrak, Staggers deregulation Act, FRA fines and rules enforcement, assault on FELA, Railroad Retirement and Railway Labor Act, etc…) Each of these items is the direct result of legislation, not negotiation with these entities.

Through conversations with several members, it has come to my attention little accurate information on function of the PAC exists.  Evidently, many members have not been completely informed on the purpose or funding of the PAC.

The purpose of the BLET-PAC Fund is to raise funds on a voluntary basis to assist candidates for office who are favorable to the BLET, railroad labor in general and the industry.  Dues money cannot be used for this purpose because of federal law restrictions.  It is my belief that many members are not aware of this regulation contributing through their dues payment.  The important point to remember is only voluntary contributions may be used for PAC purposes.

The Pac Fund needs our support to insure the Locomotive Engineer’s interests are being protected to the fullest extent possible.  PAC membership starts as little as $1.00 per month, a very small sum for such a priceless investment.  In light of these facts, I urge all members to consider membership in both the BLET-PAC and the TX-PAC funds.  Your division Secretary/Treasurer will be happy to answer any questions you may have on joining.

 

Fraternally yours,

 

James Ussery

Division 834 Secretary Treasurer

 
     

This site was last updated 10/09/11 06:45 PM