What is a PAC?
A political action committee is an organization that raises money to help identify and support political candidates.
What is ASHP-PAC?
The ASHP Political Action Committee (ASHP-PAC) is the only political action committee focused on the issues that impact health-system pharmacists' professional needs. The PAC is a way for ASHP members to pool our resources and support congressional candidates who understand and promote pharmacists' involvement in patient care.
Why Should I Donate?
A well-funded PAC will help:
- Protect your patients by helping your members of Congress understand the issues that you face and pass laws that will support your role.
- Elect members of Congress who support the role of health-system pharmacists in patient care.
- Build relationships in Congress and educate legislators about our issues.
What Candidates Will ASHP-PAC Support?
The ASHP-PAC is bipartisan and supports Democratic and Republican congressional candidates that support our issues. Our contributions tend to support members on committees that primarily address health care issues:
- House Energy and Commerce
- House Ways and Means
- Senate Finance
- Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
Who Can Contribute? Are There Maximum Or Minimum Requirements?
All members of ASHP, their families, and ASHP staff are eligible to participate. There is no minimum contribution amount. The maximum amount allowed by law is $5,000 per year. Contributions are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purpose. The PAC can only accept personal funds—corporate funds are prohibited.
Don't My Dues Go Towards Advocacy Efforts?
Federal law prohibits organizations from using member dues to donate to candidates for office. Member dues support ASHP's work on advocacy issues with lawmakers, including letters to Congress, comment letters to federal agencies, and meetings with legislators and their staff.
How Do I Contribute?
The ASHP-PAC accepts personal credit cards and checks. Make checks payable to ASHP-PAC. If you have any questions about the PAC or would like additional information, please contact ASHP's Government Affairs Division (301-664-8692 or gad@ashp.org).