We need to hold our lawmakers accountable for how they vote on the issues facing us.  That's why we have AFGE-PAC.  And that's why I hope you'll consider contributing to AFGE-PAC as soon as possible.

Your contribution is used for one of two purposes... to help elect lawmakers who value the work of federal employees and to help defeat those who don't.  Holding lawmakers accountable has never been more important.  Right now our Representative and Senators are considering some very critical issues:

• Will you get a pay raise?
• How much will you pay for health care and retirement benefits?
• Will you continue to work harder and longer because of underfunding and understaffing?
• Will your job be contracted out?
• Will you lose your rights at work?
• Will your retirement benefits be secure?

Lawmakers need to know that when they vote on issues like these, we'll hold them accountable for how they vote.  That's where AFGE-PAC comes in.  Throughout the year, AFGE-PAC makes contributions to lawmakers, Republicans and Democrats, who are working to help us.  As we get closer to elections, we contribute to candidates who are challenging lawmakers who are working against us.  Why is PAC so critical?  Because in the 2006 Congressional campaign, the average "Price of Admission" or the amount spent on an election was $1,348,827!  That's for a House seat!!  We need to help our friends in Congress and those of our friends who are running against incumbents to at least be able to compete with the big business interests.   It's an ongoing process that gives us access and credibility on Capitol Hill.  It allows us to intensify our lobbying and grassroots mobilizations.

Unions can't use union dues to contribute to political candidates.  Therefore, we have to raise voluntary contributions from AFGE members to put our political power to work.  Money isn't the only thing that matters in politics.  We also need to organize, educate and mobilize around important issues.  But for Federal employees, having a powerful PAC isn't an option... it's a must. 

Please consider making a contribution to AFGE-PAC today.  Thank you in advance for building our political power with a contribution to AFGE-PAC.

Do’s

• You can ask AFGE members to contribute to AFGE-PAC at events sponsored by your Local and held off of federal property when AFGE members are not on duty. This includes events held during scheduled lunch breaks offsite at a nearby restaurant or events held before or after work at a nearby, non-federal location.
• You can invite AFGE members to an off site event by mailing or emailing an invitation to their home emails or calling them at home. Do not use government email addresses or government provided computers or networks.
• You can call, email or write an AFGE member at their home and ask them to contribute to AFGE-PAC. Do not use government phones or other government equipment to make this solicitation.
• You must place this disclaimer on any website or PAC promotional material: “Contributions to AFGE-PAC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Your voluntary decision to contribute more, less or not to contribute at all will not result in any favor or disadvantage in your relationship with AFGE”.

Don’ts

• You can not ask an AFGE Member to contribute to AFGE-PAC while on duty, on federal property, or while wearing a government uniform.
• You can not ask a federal employee or any other individual who is not an AFGE member to contribute to AFGE-PAC.
• You can not use government equipment – phones, computers or email networks – to solicit AFGE members to contribute to AFGE-PAC.

• Uphold the AFGE tradition of grassroots democracy;
• give more power to the AFGE members who give and raise contributions for AFGE-PAC;
• Provide incentives for our members to become politically active and to increase the size of AFGE-PAC;
• Establish a formalized process for making recommendations to AFGE-PAC for the endorsement of candidates and/or for making contributions to congressional candidates.