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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Everything you wanted to know about SDMS PAC but were afraid to ask.
Other Lobby/Advocacy Related Questions
What is a PAC?A Political Action Committee (PAC) is organized for the purpose of raising and spending money in an effort to further the organization’s advocacy agenda (e.g. support for passage of the CARE bill). SDMS is a non-profit corporation, and corporations, including non-profits, are prohibited by federal law from making campaign contributions to political candidates. Why is the SDMS PAC important to the SDMS and members like me?The SDMS PAC is an essential component in the Society’s efforts to represent the interests of the membership. It enables the association to send a strong, collective, bipartisan message to members of Congress that the sonographer members of SDMS are committed to support those candidates in Congress that are engaged and supportive of our efforts to further the interests and policy positions of the SDMS. How is the SDMS PAC funded?The SDMS PAC is funded strictly from SDMS member and staff donations and the donations must be voluntary. Doesn’t the SDMS already have a Legislative/Regulatory Fund?SDMS PAC contributions are separate from monies donated to the SDMS Legislative/Regulatory Fund which are used for advocacy efforts, such as lobbying. That money cannot be used to contribute to candidates who are seeking office or running re-election campaigns. The SDMS Legislative/Regulatory fund will be discontinued. Funding for advocacy efforts will continue through the normal SDMS budgeting process. I hear campaign contributions called 'hard money' and 'soft money.' What is the difference and how does this impact a PAC?Contributions to a PAC that will be spent directly in connection with federal elections are 'hard money'. These contributions include anything of value including in-kind, food, postage, use of equipment, etc. Funds raised in accordance with applicable state law are 'soft money'. They cannot be spent on federal elections, although they often are said to indirectly influence such elections, through issue advocacy and voter communications. Are there limits to the amount that can be contributed?By law, contributions to the SDMS PAC cannot exceed certain limits during a calendar year:
I can’t contribute a large amount of money. Will my small contribution really help?Every contribution helps, no matter how small. While an individual’s contribution to a candidate may not be noticed, your contribution will be 'pooled' with contributions from other SDMS members thus allowing us to take advantage of higher limits on PAC contributions that are permitted for individual contributors. The purpose of the SDMS PAC is to pool everyone’s money together to make a greater impact to further our mutual interests. While suggested amounts are provided for convenience, any contribution amount is appreciated. Note: there is a $10 minimum charge when using a credit/debit card. How does the SDMS PAC decide which campaigns to contribute money to?The SDMS PAC Board of Directors will consider several factors when deciding which candidates and members of Congress to support including: the viability of their candidacy, their presence on key committees of jurisdiction, voting history on related legislation, and their status/clout within their political party. We want elected officials who understand legislative matters important to the SDMS and our profession. For more information on the process used by the SDMS PAC Board of Directors, click here. Does this process have the SDMS PAC "buying" votes?No. The SDMS PAC uses the monies to work with those lawmakers that understand and support our issues. It provides a vehicle for supporting members of congress that are ‘friendly’ to our positions. PAC contributions do not ‘buy votes’ and should not be viewed as ‘buying votes’. There is no ‘quid pro quo’ arrangement. It simply provides a vehicle to allow sonographers to band together, pool their political contributions, and support candidates who favor our advocacy initiatives. Are there limits to the amount of money that can be contributed to a candidate?Once the SDMS PAC is registered for six months and meets other contribution criteria, it can make up to $5,000 contributions for each individual federal candidate for each separate election. Can the SDMS PAC give money to state elected officials?The SDMS PAC was formed with the strict intent of supporting candidates for Federal office and to further Congressional efforts such as the CARE bill. How can I make a contribution?Simply visit our contribution page to make a secure online contribution. A form (requires FREE Adobe Reader software) is also available should you wish to mail or fax a contribution.
Other Lobby/Advocacy Related QuestionsWhat is the difference between lobbying and advocacy activities?Lobbying activities include meeting with a Member of Congress or Senator or their staff to ask them to support or oppose a bill. A call, fax, email or face-to-face constitutes a lobbying contact. Advocacy activities include monitoring progress of legislation, coalition building, and providing information regarding the SDMS to assist Congress in developing a position on legislation if information is requested by a legislator. As a member volunteer, I have made calls to my legislators asking them to support the CARE bill. Does this mean I need to register as a lobbyist?Typically, unless a person engaged in lobbying activities spends more than 20% of their time engaged in making lobbying contacts and lobbying activities on behalf of the Society, they do not have to register as federal lobbyists.
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