GOVERNMENT Inside The Beltway By OABA’s Government Relations Team A
key tool in the advocacy OABA does in Washington, D.C., is the use of the OABA Political Action Committee (PAC). As a quick refresher, here’s the
who, what, when, where and why of the OABA PAC, so you can better understand its use and importance.
What is the OABA PAC? The OABA PAC is a tax-exempt 527 organization that pools
campaign contributions from OABA members and donates those funds generally to candidate campaigns. PACs can give $5,000 to a candidate committee per election (primary, gener- al or special). They can also give up to $15,000 annually to any national party committee, and $5,000 annually to any other PAC. PACs may receive up to $5,000 from any one individual per calendar year.
Who uses the OABA PAC? In short, the PAC is used by representatives of the OABA
to support federal office holders such as U.S Senators and Representatives who are responsive to our efforts. While our retained Ed government affairs team in Washington uses the PAC, we encourage OABA members to participate in the pro- cess of distributing the funds and attending fund- raisers for the beneficiaries of the contributions. Nothing makes the connection between our in- dustry and lawmakers like having a carnival own- er tell their own personal story. This is especially true when the OABA member has a pre-existing relationship with the recipient of OABA funds. Your ability to use PAC funds while sharing both your perspective and the priorities of the OABA with an elected official is the ideal use of PAC funds.
Where do we use the OABA? First and foremost, we don’t just write checks and mail them
to campaigns. One practice that enhances use of the PAC is that the checks are delivered at a physical event. Whether that be an event in Washington, D.C. or back in a congressional
district we want face time with the receipt of the check. While often at- tending dinners or receptions with other groups is necessary, we strive to find opportunities for more intimate events. Where possible, we aim for one-on- one events where OABA members have a private audience and can more freely chat about our industry.
When do we use the OABA PAC? While federal elections take place every two years, the OABA
PAC budget is based on a yearly cycle. The annual OABA fly-in to Washington, D.C. has been one occasion where we can do numerous OABA PAC events over the course of a few days. During two separate OABA group visits to D.C. the PAC con- nected with nearly a dozen elected officials. These events al- lowed nearly 30 OABA members to see the PAC in action and participate in the political side of advocacy.
Why do we use the OABA PAC? The PAC allows the OABA to connect with policymakers in a more informal and relaxed environment. At the same time, it demonstrates to our champions on Capitol Hill that we understand the political process and the needs of political candidates to fund their campaigns. Make no mistake, the PAC is not a magic bullet. Supporting political candidates does not mean they will do our bidding. However, when used properly it can be an invaluable asset in raising the profile of the OABA and our legislative priorities in the nation’s capital.
The financial commitment many with the OABA have made
not only to contribute to the OABA PAC, but also to support candidates on their own is powerful. Your efforts have sup- ported members of Congress on a bi-partisan basis who have championed issues that are critical to our industry. Thank you for helping support OABA’s friends and allies so we can deliver the victories we seek at the federal level.
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