A panel discussion during AGC of California’s Legislative Summit in May 2022 featured (l-r) Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia – Chair Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee; Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry – Chair Assembly Local Government Committee; and Assemblymember Laura Friedman – Chair Assembly Transportation Committee.


solutions to the myriad of challenges facing California’s contractors.


California Constructor: What can you tell us about the AGC Political Action Committee (PAC), why it is important and what role it plays in the association’s advocacy efforts?


Chris O’Connor: Te AGC PAC is an or- ganization established and administered by AGC of California members designed to solicit political contributions and manage two different political accounts, the AGC Candidates PAC and the AGC Issues PAC. Te Candidates PAC con- tributes to political candidates running for office, and Issues PAC contributes to ballot initiatives where Californians vote directly.


Te purpose and function of the PAC


is incredibly important in supporting AGC of California’s efforts to serve as the voice of California’s construction in- dustry. Many California decision makers view the amount of money in an orga- nization’s PAC as a measure of might of their political influence. Te greater the support and funding of your PAC, the greater number of political campaigns you can support. Increasing the number


of elected officials who are supportive of your cause results in increased odds of favorable policy towards the issues you care about.


California Constructor: How is the PAC funded?


Chris O’Connor: Te PAC is funded di- rectly by AGC of California members. Te primary source of revenue comes through a voluntary 15% contribution included on the annual membership dues invoice. Tis is the easiest and most routine way to support the AGC PAC. Members just need to ensure their accounts payable team doesn’t inadvertently opt out of contributing, as the PAC portion is clearly marked as optional on the invoice. Other funding is received through


personal contributions from individuals employed at our member companies. Te final source of revenue is that of political fundraisers. After the State Board made it a strategic objective in 2021 to increase our PAC levels, AGC of California hosted its first PAC fundraiser in many years at the Barracuda PGA Tournament in Truckee, California. We look forward to more of these special opportunities where you can make a significant contribution


supporting the PAC, while also enjoying a terrific experience with fellow members and their significant others.


California Constructor: What exactly do AGC of California members get for their money?


Chris O’Connor: Specific positive out- comes that impact your business, such as the passage of SB-1 in 2017, as well as the defense of SB-1 in 2018 with the defeat of Proposition 6, are some of the ways members see direct value from their PAC contributions. In 2018, AGC of California contributed over $1 million to the “No on Prop 6” campaign. Most recently, it was AGC of Califor-


nia’s influence in keeping construction essential and working during the COVID shutdown of 2020. During that fateful eve- ning on March 19, 2020, AGC of California was the only construction association to put a letter on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk urging construction remain essential and describing how we could conduct our work safely. Tese outcomes are the tangible benefits our members and the construction industry receive when they support the PAC and engage politically with AGC of California.


CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022


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