America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC

A Unified Voice for Advocacy Issues

America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC is a political action committee for electric cooperative member-consumers, directors and employees who support safe, reliable, affordable energy. Together, we advocate for responsible energy policies that positively impact our co-ops, communities and quality of life.

What is a Political Action Committee?

A Political Action Committee (PAC) is a group of people with common goals who pool their money in order to financially support candidates running for elected office. A PAC supports political candidates who represent the interests and views of its members.

What is America's Electric Cooperative PAC (and Michigan's Electric Cooperatives PAC)?

America’s Electric Cooperative PAC is the federal PAC of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Michigan’s Electric Cooperative PAC is the PAC representing the interests of electric co-ops here in Michigan.

Why Does America's Electric Cooperatives PAC Exist?

Rural electric system employees and consumers need representatives in Congress who understand the important issues affecting rural electric cooperatives and who will fight for rural electric cooperative consumers. America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC supports only the political candidates who will speak for, and protect the interests of electric cooperative systems nationwide.

How Does Joining America's Electric Cooperatives PAC Make a Difference?

When individuals join America’s Electric Cooperative PAC, they demonstrate their commitment to their cooperative and local community. Each individual America’s Electric Cooperative PAC contribution promotes the legislative objectives of the electric cooperative program and promotes a strong local consumer-owned electric cooperative focus.

Who is Eligible to Join America's Electric Cooperatives PAC?

Any of the following individuals are eligible to contribute to America’s Electric Cooperative PAC:

Any cooperative consumer-owner (member)
Salaried co-op employees with policy-making, managerial, professional, or supervisory responsibilities*
Co-op directors
Spouses and family of eligible individuals

*Does not include (i) professionals who are represented by a labor organization, or (ii) salaried foremen and other salaried lower level supervisors having direct supervision over hourly employees.

What Are the Contribution Levels?

America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC is a uniquely structured PAC funded with individual contributions ranging from $25 to $1,000 per year. While any contribution is accepted and appreciated, the official membership recognition levels are:

Regular Membership: $25
Century Club: $100
Vice-President’s Club: $250
President’s Club: $500
Leadership Circle: $1,000

How Much Should I Contribute?

These suggested contribution levels will help the Michigan co-ops reach their America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC contribution goals:

Co-op Directors: $100 – $500
President/CEO: $500 – $1,000
Managers, Supervisors: $100 – $500
Eligible Individuals: $25 – $100

Are Contributions Tax Deductible?

The Internal Revenue Service has ruled that political contributions such as those to America’s Electric Cooperative PAC are not tax deductible.

What Do Members Receive?

The most important benefit that members receive is a voice in helping elect state and federal officials that will support their cooperative and their community. They also receive a distinctive lapel pin.

Where Do the Contributions Go?

With the exception of a small federal tax payment of less than 1%, all funds contributed to America’s Electric Cooperative PAC go directly to the campaigns of candidates who support electric cooperatives. For every dollar contributed to America’s Electric Cooperative PAC, 49 cents is returned to the Michigan’s Electric Cooperative PAC to support candidates for state office.

Who Determines How Contributions Are Spent?

America’s Electric Cooperative PAC follows established contribution procedures. Factors that determine financial support include: the candidate’s position on issues critical to electric cooperatives, their votes and public statements on these issues, the candidate’s committee assignments and leadership positions relative to the cooperatives, a candidate’s financial need, and the strength of his or her opponent. Members of the NRECA Government Relations staff meet weekly to discuss contributions to candidates, fundraising and political party events, grassroots electric cooperative participation in Washington, D.C., and state political events. NRECA’s staff, statewide managers and state Electric Cooperative PAC committees then reach an agreement on which candidates should receive contributions.

Are All Michigan Contributions Spent on Candidates from Michigan?

No. The true power of America’s Electric Cooperative PAC is its ability to support candidates from all states. The laws and policies that affect electric cooperatives and the communities they serve often depend on votes by members of Congress from states or cities with few or no electric cooperatives. States with large electric cooperative representation and many contributors to America’s Electric Cooperative PAC help support candidates from states that have fewer electric cooperative systems and fewer America’s Electric Cooperative PAC contributors.

Does America's Electric Cooperative PAC Support Both Democrats and Republicans?

Yes. America’s Electric Cooperative PAC is bipartisan, supporting candidates based solely on their support for electric cooperative issues, regardless of political party affiliation.

How Does MECA Help Michigan Co-ops Engage Legislatively?

The MECA team coordinates and participates in hundreds of outreach efforts with its member co-ops throughout the year. These efforts include everything from supporting local fundraiser events, to hosting elected officials at local co-op offices, to facilitating 6 to 8 outreach visits to Washington, D.C. with its members. All of these efforts are possible because of the close working relationship that the MECA team his built with our elected officials over the years.

Contributions to America’s Electric Cooperative PAC are NOT tax deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. All contributions to America’s Electric Cooperative PAC are voluntary and will be used for political purposes. Contribution guidelines are suggestions only, you may contribute more or less than the recommended amount, or not at all. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal. Contributions may be stopped at any time upon notification to the cooperative. America’s Electric Cooperative PAC qualifies as a multi-candidate committee and has been registered with the Federal Election Commission. A copy of our monthly report is filed with the Federal Election Commission and is available to the public at www.fec.gov. America’s Electric Cooperative PAC is a bipartisan political action committee, supporting candidates based solely on their record and support for electric cooperative issues, regardless of political party affiliation.