ABATE
of
ABATE
of Nebraska Incorporated has formed a Political Action Committee (PAC) to raise
money to help candidates who feel as we do about PERSONAL FREEDOM.
Under the Nebraska Political Accountability and Disclosure Act, “a
committee is an entity whose function is to receive contributions and/or make
expenditures for the purpose of influencing or attempting to influence the
action of the voters for or against the nomination or election of one or more
candidates or the qualification, passage, or defeat of one or more ballot
questions”.
The
ABATE of Nebraska PAC Fund is a separate entity from ABATE of Nebraska Inc.
The reason behind this separation is because the Nebraska Law prohibits
political candidates from accepting donations from a corporation. We cannot take
money out of the general fund of ABATE to donate to those candidates which share
our views on Freedom of Choice. We
also cannot take money out of the general fund of ABATE and put it into the PAC
Fund.
The
funds donated to this committee will be used to support the political campaigns
and candidates whom we feel best share our views on issues important to
Questions
and Answers about the ABATE of
Q:
Who can contribute to the PAC fund?
A:
Only individual members of ABATE of
Q:
How can I make contributions to the PAC fund?
A:
The primary source of contributions is a portion of each member’s
annual dues. All
members have the opportunity to contribute $5 of their annual membership dues to
the PAC fund. Members may opt out of
that special contribution by marking a box on the current application form.
If the box is not checked, and even if the membership application or
renewal form is not signed, $5 will be contributed to the ABATE of Nebraska PAC
fund.
Additional
direct contributions may be made by personal check in any amount payable to the
ABATE of NE PAC fund. Contributions
are limited to $50 annually for each member by law who pays by cash.
Non-cash or in-kind contributions may also be accepted but should first
be approved by the PAC fund treasurer.
Q:
Are contributions recorded?
A:
Yes, each contribution is recorded by member account and includes name,
address, amount, and date paid. Cumulative
annual donations of more than $250 per member are also reported to the State of
Q:
Are contributions to the PAC Fund tax deductible?
A:
Contributions or gifts to the ABATE of Nebraska Incorporated PAC fund are
not tax deductible as charitable contributions. Always consult your own
tax advisor for specific questions regarding personal income taxes.
Q:
Who is responsible for filing regulatory reports?
A:
The PAC fund treasurer is responsible for filing all regular reports
listing all contributions from our members and payments to candidates or
campaigns. Reports are cross
referenced by the state to the reports of candidates to make sure the candidates
disclose the donation as well. All
PAC fund records are retained for five years.
Q:
What type of member events may be held to raise funds for the PAC fund?
A:
New fund raising events should be approved by the PAC fund treasurer
prior to being held to ensure compliance with applicable guidelines and
regulations. Most
Districts are also set up to accept contributions to the ABATE of Nebraska PAC
fund at their monthly meetings. Districts
are encouraged to hold at least one fund raising event each year with all
proceeds going to the PAC fund.
Q:
How will PAC funds be distributed to candidates or campaigns?
A:
Requests for payments out of the PAC fund should be approved
by the Legislative Committee, then approved by the State Coordinator of ABATE,
and forwarded to the PAC fund treasurer for processing.
Requests must include the recipients’ proper name, address, and amount
to be paid. ABATE District offices
may not contribute directly to a candidate’s campaign.
Q:
How are PAC funds accounted for?
A:
Regular reports of contributions from members and payments to candidates
or campaigns are provided to the Board of Directors, and to any member who
requests it from the PAC fund treasurer.
Additional questions or direct contributions should
be sent to:
Post
Office Box 30332
402-489-0651
or toll free at 877-912-9889