CPA-PAC: What's in It for Me?

Access. CPA-PAC gives you a way to support candidates who have demonstrated a willingness to listen our views. Access means that you have an opportunity to state your case to a lawmaker who is willing to listen to your views before he or she votes.

Credibility. The CPA-PAC gives our profession political credibility. Lawmakers are held accountable for their votes and CPA-PAC gives you a way to either support them at election time or support their opponents in the next election.

No Buts About It

But I already contributed to the candidate and party of my choice…
Great! You should continue to contribute to the candidates and party of your choice. But CPA-PAC provides you the opportunity to have a statewide impact on the election of candidates who will shape the legislation that affects business and the accounting profession.

But why does CPA-PAC need me?
Because we are all in this together. Historically, less than 5 percent of all PICPA members contribute to the CPA-PAC. This means 95 percent are counting on others to carry the whole load. If every member does his or her fair share, CPAs everywhere will benefit.

But I am philosophically opposed 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. The legislative process is a full contact sport, and the philosophies of those who compete in the process are reflected in the laws that are enacted.

But I do not want my money to go to support a Democrat/Republican…
The CPA-PAC is nonpartisan in its selection of candidates to support. Party label is not considered. The record, program, and quality of each candidate determine who gets CPA-PAC support.

But I already pay my PICPA dues. Isn't that enough?
Election laws prohibit the use of membership dues for contributions to political candidates. Funds to be used for contributions to candidates for the Pennsylvania General Assembly must be raised separately from your membership dues.