Why Should Members Contribute to NAA's Political Action Committee?
What Is NAAPAC?
If you are in housing, you are in politics. From fair housing to flood insurance, energy to the environment, the 535 members of the US Senate and House of Representatives play a huge role in shaping the policy and economic climate for the apartment housing industry.
It takes not only the collective power of the NAA, but also the work of individuals at the grassroots level to make sure we, as an industry, are at the table and not "on the menu" when important policy decisions are made.
NAAPAC is the bi-partisan political action committee that supports Congressional candidates who represent good government and understand the needs and concerns of the apartment housing industry.
NAA is prohibited from using general account funds such as membership dues or other revenue to contribute to federal elections. That means NAAPAC, by pooling the individual contributions of NAA and affiliate members, is the only vehicle through which NAA and its members may participate in the political process. NAAPAC may only accept personal contributions from members of the NAA and its affiliates.
Any funds collected are disbursed directly to the campaign of a candidate or incumbent member of Congress. This “hard money” donation is heavily regulated and monitored by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Why Should I Care?
NAAPAC Gives YOU:
- A Seat at the Table. Would you rather be at the table, or on the menu? NAAPAC is your vehicle to support federal candidates who are open to the apartment industry's views on issues crucial to your business and the industry at large.
- Credibility. NAAPAC gives our profession political credibility. It shows that we are willing to support lawmakers who help enact policies that will allow us to keep creating quality apartment homes across America.
- Success. Growing our influence in Washington, DC, does not happen easily. It is an ongoing and long-term process that only succeeds as more and more NAA members participate. Your involvement makes NAAPAC grow in strength.
No Buts About It....
"But I already give to my state or local PAC."
And you should! But remember that NAAPAC supports pro-apartment candidates at the federal level through your voluntary contributions. Your state or local PACs are separate entities that make sure the voice of the apartment industry is heard in the statehouses and city halls across America. Since legislation takes place at all levels of government, it is imperative that PACs be supported at the federal, state and local levels.
"But I already contributed to the candidate and party of my choice."
Great! You should contribute to them. But NAAPAC gives you the opportunity to have a national impact on the candidates who will shape the legislation that affects the entire apartment housing industry. When a candidate gets a check from you, you could be supporting them for any number of reasons. When they get a check from NAAPAC, there is no doubt whose voice is being heard.
"But why does NAAPAC need me?"
Because we are all in this together. Historically, less than 10 percent of all NAA members contribute to NAAPAC. This means 90 percent are counting on others to carry the whole load. If every member does his or her fair share, industry professionals everywhere will benefit.
"But I am philosophically opposed to political action committees."
The legislative process is not like a game of poker, where if you sit out you don't risk losing. If you sit out of the political process, you are guaranteed to lose. While this quote has been misattributed to Thomas Jefferson, it is true whoever said it: "We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate."
"But I do not want my money to go to support a Democrat/Republican."
NAAPAC is nonpartisan in who it supports. Party labels are not considered. The record, program and quality of each candidate determine who gets NAAPAC support.
Contribute Here
*To contribute, you must login to your member account. If you are not a member, become an NAA member today!
NAA Political Action Committee Disclaimer: Contributions to NAAPAC are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions to NAAPAC are for political purposes. All contributions to NAAPAC are voluntary. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal. The proposed contribution amounts are merely suggestions; you may choose to contribute more or less or not at all. NAA will not favor or disadvantage anyone by reason of the amount contributed or the decision whether to contribute. Federal law requires political committees to report the name, address, occupation and name of employer for each individual whose contributions aggregate in excess of $200 in a calendar year.