Credit Union Political Action Committees – FAQ

What Is a Political Action Committee (PAC)?
A PAC is a popular term for a political committee organized for the purpose of raising and spending money to elect and defeat candidates. Most PACs represent business, labor or ideological interests. PACs are an important aspect of American politics and the American electoral system. Political Action Committees exist legally as a means for corporations, trade unions and other organizations to make donations to candidates for Federal office, something that they cannot do directly.

Why do credit unions need PACs?
Whether you like it or not, you are involved in politics. State and federal legislators make decisions every day that could potentially affect the way credit unions do business. Other financial institutions, with interests very different from credit unions, actively lobby, campaign and contribute to candidates favorable to their cause. For this reason, the credit union movement in Georgia and nationwide needs to do everything in our power to elect and support candidates for office that share our vision in making sure credit unions remain strong and vital.

Do Georgia credit unions have PACs?
Yes. At both the state and federal level, Georgia credit unions have PACs. GA CUPAC (link to GA CUPAC page here), a state registered PAC, created by the Georgia Credit Union League, is the vehicle for Georgia credit union leaders to financially support the candidacies of men and women who understand and support the credit union movement. CULAC The Credit Union Legislative Action Council (CULAC) (link here to CULAC stuff) is the federal PAC for the Credit Union National Association (CUNA). The purpose of CULAC is to contribute to and support federal candidates and committees that support the credit union movement. Political Action Committees allow us to participate in the fund raising activities of candidates and make sure the credit union story is told on Capitol Hill and at the Statehouse. They provide an opportunity for credit union advocates to join forces to support public policy positions of vital importance to credit unions and their members.

Does my contribution to the PAC really make a difference?
Consider it an investment in your credit union’s future. Your PAC dollars, both statewide and nationally, go to legislators who support credit unions and legislation affecting credit unions.

What candidates gets campaign contributions?
Your contribution supports candidates who:

• Show a commitment to understanding credit unions and the challenges facing them
• Have a proven voting record and position on issues impacting credit unions
• Have a committee assignment or leadership role

If you would like to contribute or find out more about GA CUPAC or CULAC, please contact advocacy@gcua.org.