What is a PAC?
PAC stands for political action committee. A PAC is any political
committee consisting of at least two individuals, other than a candidate
committee or a political party committee, which receives contributions,
distributes funds, or incurs obligations for the purpose of influencing the election or
defeat of candidates to state or local office. PACs are most often sponsored by corporations,
labor unions or trade associations. However, any organization of two or more
individuals may form a political action committee.
Are PACs Regulated in Wisconsin?
Yes. PACs are required to register in Wisconsin by filing a Campaign Registration Statement
with the proper filing officer. If the PAC’s activity will affect a state referendum or
election to state office, it must register with the Wisconsin State Elections Board.
PACs must also report all financial activity in connection with their efforts.
These records are available for public inspection. In addition, Wisconsin’s campaign finance law
establishes limits on contributions to campaigns.
How Much Can a PAC Contribute to a Candidate?
Wisconsin campaign finance law imposes limits on the amount a committee may contribute to a
candidate for a particular office. For example, a committee may not contribute more than $500
to the campaign of a candidate for State Assembly. The current single committee contribution
limits are included in the following chart:
| Office |
Limit |
| Governor |
$43,128 |
| Lt. Governor |
12,939 |
| Attorney General |
21,564 |
| State Treasurer |
8,625 |
| Secretary of State |
8,625 |
| Superintendent of Public Instruction |
8,625 |
| Supreme Court Justice |
8,625 |
| Court of Appeals I |
3,000 |
| Court of Appeals II, III, IV |
2,500 |
| District Attorney & Circuit Court for |
|
| Dane, Milwaukee, Waukesha Counties |
3,000 |
| All Other DAs & Circuits |
1,000 |
| State Senate |
1,000 |
| State Assembly |
500 |
In addition, PACs can give each of the four Legislative Campaign Committees (Committee to Elect a
Republican Senate, State Senate Democratic Committee, Republican Assembly Campaign Committee, and
Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee) up to $6,000 annually.
Who Can Contribute to PACs?
PACs can accept contributions from individuals, other PACs and from political parties, with the
most common source of funds being individuals. PACs cannot take contributions from corporations.
How Much Can an Individual Contribute to a PAC?
An individual may not contribute more than $10,000 annually for all political contributions, which includes
contributions to PACs, state and local candidates and state political parties.
Are Contributions to PACs Tax Deductible?
No.
Does the School Administrators Alliance Have a PAC?
Yes. It is called the School Administrators Alliance Political Action Committee (SAA PAC). The SAA PAC,
which is supported by members of all four SAA member associations, was created to strengthen the identity
of the SAA and to improve the management of our combined political activities. SAA PAC funds are used for
campaign contributions designed to help reelect “friends of public education,” strengthen our relationships
with key legislators and, ultimately, to influence legislation. The SAA PAC is a registered political action
committee in Wisconsin. Our reports are filed with and available at the Wisconsin State Elections Board.
How Does SAA PAC Determine How It Distributes PAC Funds?
The SAA Director of Government Relations develops a campaign contribution plan that conforms to the following
SAA PAC contribution guidelines. This plan is subject to the approval of the SAA Steering Committee, which
serves as the SAA PAC’s governing body.
The distribution of SAA PAC campaign contributions is limited to:
- Each of the four legislative campaign committees controlled by leadership (i.e., Committee to Elect a Republican Senate) in equal amounts.
- Incumbent legislators.
- Legislators with a proven record of support for public education and SAA positions on issues.
- Key legislators in positions of power.
- Members of the Joint Committee on Finance.
- Selected members of the Senate and Assembly education committees.
In addition, the SAA PAC’s minimum campaign contribution is $100. Those receiving more than $100 are either in
key positions of power or have established an exemplary record of support for SAA positions.
Does SAA PAC Buy Votes?
No! Wisconsin candidates and elected officials are honorable people and their votes are not for sale.
However, by helping to elect lawmakers, SAA PAC helps provide Wisconsin school administrators the opportunity
to present our views and be heard in the State Capitol. SAA PAC fully complies with all state election laws.
Why Should SAA PAC Interest SAA Members?
SAA PAC helps elect the people who write the laws affecting Wisconsin schools and Wisconsin school children. The SAA
Legislative Committee has concluded that a strong SAA PAC is critical to our success on state legislative issues and a
powerful step toward a stronger political voice for Wisconsin school administrators.
Where Can I Get More Information About SAA PAC?
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