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Who
is the CPA-PAC?
The CPA-PAC is the Texas Society of CPAs’ member-managed, member-driven and member-focused political action committee. Its responsibilities and activities, with the exception of its day-to-day administration, are directed by the members of the Texas Society of CPAs. CPA-PAC membership is reflective of TSCPA's general membership: certified public accountants in public practice as well as industry and government, up-and-coming young members as well as veterans and Society leadership, men, women, democrats, republicans and independents. CPA-PAC membership is not restricted to those who are significantly involved in governmental affairs. In fact, a contribution to the CPA-PAC is the fastest, simplest, most efficient way to get involved in the political process and its positive effects on our profession. CPA-PAC is non-partisan and is registered with the Texas Ethics Commission. CPA-PAC contributes much-needed funds to political candidates as well as incumbents who understand the importance of a sound Texas economy and the critical role of the CPA in preserving the state’s business climate. Contributions are made year-round – not only during an election cycle – as modern policymakers must continually raise funds to meet the demands of campaigning. CPA-PAC is directed by the TSCPA PAC committee, whose volunteer members are appointed by the TSCPA Chair. The PAC committee works closely with local chapters and their Public Affairs committees to determine which policymakers should receive CPA-PAC contributions. Of all the funds contributed to the CPA-PAC, 75 percent goes directly back to chapters for donation to their local lawmakers, while the remaining 25 percent is donated to candidates in campaigns for statewide office. Administrative expenses involved in CPA-PAC’s day-to-day operations are underwritten by the Texas Society of CPAs. Contribution decisions are based upon each candidate’s position on issues of importance to CPAs, the strength of the opposition, the level of the candidate’s influence, their need for funds and incumbency. Why should I get involved in CPA-PAC? To ensure that the accounting profession continues to have a strong presence in Texas’ legislative and regulatory activities, as many individuals as possible must be involved in the political process. A key factor in determining the strength of the accounting profession in Texas’ political arena is the number of CPAs who get involved with the CPA-PAC. Just as other professions have recognized the critical importance of political action committees, CPAs also have too much at stake to commit anything less than 100 percent to our political efforts. The efficacy of the CPA-PAC is directly proportional to how many CPAs are involved: the greater the numbers, the more influence the profession will have. A donation from a PAC with 27,000 members carries much more weight than an identical donation from a 10,000-member PAC, or even an identical donation from an individual. This dynamic goes to the very heart of grassroots political advocacy. CPAs are without question among the busiest of all business professionals, and many lack the time to devote to protecting the professions interests in the legislature. Making regular donations to the CPA-PAC, however, is the fastest, easiest and most efficient way to contribute to those critical regulatory and legislative efforts. No CPA in Texas can afford not to give to the CPA-PAC. How do I get involved with CPA-PAC? CPA-PAC has a number of giving levels for your convenience:
All contributors receive ribbons to wear at TSCPA Annual and Midyear Board meetings. Contributors of over $100, receive the weekly newsletter update “Last Week in the Legislature” (.PDF) during the legislative session. Contributors of over $250 receive an invitation to the biennial Legislative Reception. You may mail your check, payable to TSCPA CPA-PAC, to:
Many members choose to donate to the CPA-PAC by means of an annual pledge. You may also contribute to the CPA-PAC when you pay your annual dues to the Texas Society of CPAs. If you would like more information on the CPA-PAC, please contact: Diane
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