Congress
and the White House play important roles in the industries in
which you and other members of IATSE locals work. But for too
long, major entertainment industry corporations have been the
only contributors to candidates for federal offices. These corporations
have established federal political action committees ["PAC's"]
which give millions of dollars to candidates for Congress and
the White House. Is it any wonder that Congress pays more attention
to these corporations than it does to working people like you?
Your voice has not been heard. IATSE's members must become more
involved in shaping the federal legislative and administrative
agenda. The time has come when the concerns and interests of IATSE
members must also be heard and considered by federal lawmakers.
But labor unions (like corporations) cannot contribute to the
campaigns of candidates for federal office. Most prominent labor
organizations have established PAC's which may make voluntary
campaign contributions to federal candidates and seek contributions
to the PAC from union members. To
give you a voice in Washington, the IATSE has established the IATSE
Political Action Committee ("IATSE-PAC"), a federal political action
committee designed to support candidates for federal office who
promote the interests of working men and women.
Members of the IATSE locals, and their families, may contribute
to the IATSE-PAC. All contributions to the IATSE-PAC are voluntary,
and are not tax-deductible. The amount contributed, or the decision
not to contribute, will not be the basis for the IATSE or any
of its locals to benefit or disadvantage the member or his/her
family. Neither the IATSE nor any of its locals will retaliate
against a member for deciding not to contribute, or based upon
the amount of the contribution.
Contribution amounts are suggestions only, and you may contribute
more or less than the suggested amount. A person's contribution
to the IATSE-PAC may not exceed $5,000.00 per year. Contributors
must be United States citizens or lawful permanent residents of
the United States. The IATSE-PAC may not accept contributions
from corporate accounts.