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Learner Outcomes
The FPD and the CRNA-PAC:
Development, Deployment,
and Do’s and Don’ts
Paul Beninga, CRNA, MS
Chair, CRNA-PAC Committee
Kate Fry
AANA Associate Director,
Political Affairs
Understand how CRNAs support and govern the CRNA-PAC
and how it strengthens our policy voice in Washington.
Develop the basic skills for requesting a contribution, learning
about PAC expenditures, hosting and attending political
fundraising events and encouraging others to participate.
Relate the most effective strategies for PAC fundraising and
disbursement systems used by the AANA to the federal
advocacy plans of state associations.
Maintain processes to ensure compliance with federal laws
with respect to CRNA-PAC activities.
What is CRNA-PAC?
http://www.caretobecounted.org/who/crna-pac-video/
How CRNA-PAC Helps Meet the
Objectives of the AANA
As a subsidiary of AANA, CRNA-PAC functions to
enhance the policymaking environment for the
association by being a visible political force with
elected officials, candidates and party committees.
CRNA-PAC provides the financial support to help elect
What is CRNA-PAC?
•Separate fund, 100% from CRNAs
voluntary contributions, not dues
•Ensures CRNAs have access to Capitol
Hill, where our issues are decided
•Non-partisan
•Always working for the profession of
nurse anesthesia
legislators who will advance AANA’s legislative
priorities.
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Governed by CRNAs
How Does CRNA-PAC Help?
2013-2014 CRNA-PAC Committee
Build relationships with policymakers
Paul Beninga, CRNA, MS
Mark Bjornstad, CRNA, MS (Treasurer)
Lori Baerman, CRNA, MS (Custodian of
Records)
Anthony J. Chipas, CRNA, PhD
Cynthia Leaks, BSN, SRNA (Student)
Rick Jueneman, CRNA
Angie Mund, CRNA, DNP
Shirley Sopko, CRNA, MSN
Kate Jansky, CRNA, ARNP, MHS, USA, LTC (ret)
Provide bi-partisan support to CRNA-friendly candidates
Legislators influential on healthcare policy
Ensure CRNAs’ voice is heard
Demonstrates strength and solidarity
Accountable to AANA members through CRNA-PAC
Committee
CRNA-PAC’s Mission Statement: Advancing the profession of nurse anesthesia
through federal political advocacy.
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CRNA-PAC’s Care to Be Counted
CRNA-PAC: How We Compare
Campaign to raise $1.8 Million in 2012-2013
Raised more than $1.6 million in 2011-2012
Largest federal nursing PAC
Among the top 10 largest PACs nationwide
for healthcare professionals
9% of AANA Members donated in FY13
94% of CRNA-PAC-supported candidates
were elected/re-elected to Congress
In 2011-2012
CRNA-PAC
ASA-PAC
AMA-PAC
ANA-PAC
Raised
$1,483,000
$3,517,000
$1,902,000
$767,212
Spent
$1,234,000
$3,000,000
$3,065,000
$753,064
$360,000
$1,717,000
$300,481
$44,000
Cash on Hand
as of
1/1/2013
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With Support from CRNA-PAC
Significant results for AANA:
Protected CRNA chronic pain management services
Staved off cuts to Medicare reimbursement
Educational funding for CRNAs
And much more!
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CRNA-PAC Disbursements
CRNA-PAC can contribute up to $5,000 per election to a
federal candidate.
CRNA-PAC can contribute up to $5,000 per calendar year
to a federal candidate’s Leadership PAC.
CRNA-PAC can contribute up to $15,000 per calendar year
to a national political party.
CRNA-PAC can spend unlimited amounts on Independent
Expenditures
Does CRNA-PAC Endorse?
Who does CRNA-PAC Support?
Re-elect campaigns of incumbent members of the House
of Representatives and Senate
Leadership PACs
National Party Committees
State Party Committees in unique circumstances
Open seat and challenger candidates for federal office
Presidential Candidates
Because CRNA-PAC does not endorse candidates for
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However, even though CRNA-PAC does not endorse
candidates for office, we do influence elections by
sending financial donations to support candidates and
encouraging AANA members to work on campaigns of
their choice.
CRNA-PAC Disbursement Process
AANA Federal Government Affairs develops preliminary
disbursement budget for the calendar year in accordance
with CRNA-PAC disbursement guidelines
Call to FPDs for recommendations
CRNA-PAC Committee reviews and approves
Additional input needed from FPDs on open seats and
challengers
federal office, the PAC will not endorse nor financially
support a candidate(s) for President of the United States.
That said, CRNA-PAC hosts public events at both national
party conventions as well as attending other activities at
the Convention that are in the interest of the CRNA-PAC.
We also encourage AANA members to volunteer
with/support campaigns of their choice.
How are CRNA-PAC funds spent?
3 P’s
1. Powerful
2. PALs
3. Prospects
In 2012: 98% of all PAC funds contributed went directly to
federal candidates, PACs and party committees.
Remaining 2% used to pay CRNA-PAC administrative costs.
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Life of a PAC dollar
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A personal contribution is made to CRNA-PAC
The contribution is combined with other AANA member contributions
The AANA FGA staff reviews PAC contribution requests from members of
Congress and other candidates.
Each request is evaluated based on the disbursement budget approved by
the CRNA-PAC Committee and the support of the candidate.
AANA FGA staff or a local CRNA attends a fundraiser for the candidate and
discusses our priority issues.
Contributions help to improve relationships with important legislators.
CRNA-PAC contributions are used by the candidate or party committees to
support the re-election efforts of friendly legislators, ensuring that CRNAs
are well represented in Congress.
CRNA-PAC Contributions in Your State
Visit www.caretobecounted.org
Ways to Maximize CRNA-PAC in Your State
Use State Association meetings to discuss PAC support for
members of Congress/candidates
Provide input to FGA/CRNA-PAC Committee on candidates
deserving of CRNA-PAC support
Utilize your Key Contacts
Request CRNA-PAC funds to attend local events
Deliver PAC “check” to local campaign office or other non-
legislative office
Volunteer on campaigns
Requesting a Contribution:
Incumbent Legislators
Identify a fundraising event
Call Kate Fry at (202) 741-9087 or
kfry@aanadc.com
AANA DC evaluates the request
AANA DC staff reply to the FPD with
information about logistics, talking
points, and a request for feedback.
Requesting a Contribution:
Open Seats and Challengers
Identify the candidate or event.
Use the CRNA-PAC PACket for Open Seat and Challengers
to evaluate the candidates in the race.
AANA DC staff evaluates the request according to
friendliness and viability and forwards to CRNA-PAC
Committee for review and decision.
CRNA-PAC Committee votes and Kate reports the status
to the FPD
2014 Elections
House of Representatives:
All 435 members up for reelection
67 identified competitive races
15 open seats, potential for 15 more
Senate:
35 Senate races
17 identified as competitive
6 open seats
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2013 Policy Issues
Our Challenges Continue in 2013
Budget Cuts
Protect My Pain Care
Medicare Reimbursement
Appropriations
Veterans Affairs
Non-Discrimination
What’s next for CRNA-PAC
Annual Report
2014 Fundraising Campaign
Mid-Year Assembly
A Monumental Occasion
Tried and True Fundraising Tips
Contribute Yourself
State the Case Effectively
Ask for a Specific Amount and make it relevant
Close the sale
Follow-Up
Say Thanks!
New Incentive Club Levels
New levels for 2013:
$2,500-$5,000 – Diplomat
$1,000-$2,499 – President
$365-$999 – Congressional
$25 – Capitol (for students
only)
Membership runs from Aug.
1-Aug. 31 (13 months)
Advocating for CRNA-PAC
Open communication between CRNA-PAC, FPDs and
AANA FGA
Request time on your state association agenda
Discuss CRNA-PAC and its value to the profession
Update about PAC Campaign
Provide information about how to contribute
Distribute information to Key Contacts about races,
political events, etc…
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CRNA-PAC Administrative Fund
Covers indirect costs of CRNA-PAC
Can accept corporate or individual contributions
State Associations Contributing to CRNA-PAC’s
Administrative Fund in FY13:
Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Maine,
Michigan, Minnesota, Kansas, South Carolina, South Dakota
and Wisconsin.
CRNA-PAC Compliance
• CRNA-PAC operates in a highly
regulated environment, with its
activities reportable to the
Federal Election Commission
• Civil and criminal penalties apply
• CRNA-PAC can experience
significant annual losses
Contributing to CRNA-PAC
Individual can give up to $5,000 per calendar year to the
CRNA-PAC Treasury fund. Unlimited amounts can be given
to the Administrative Account.
CRNA-PAC cannot accept more than $100 in cash.
CRNA-PAC required to report Employer/Occupation for
anyone giving $200+
Contributions from outside of solicitable class go towards
Administrative Account.
Who may be solicited?
Association members and their families
- including student members
Executive and administrative employees of association
Other employees – twice yearly, in writing, at home
Restriction is imposed on the solicitation – not
acceptance - of the contribution
Solicitation defined broadly: Any mention of CRNA-PAC
coupled with need for funds, how to make a
contribution
Legal Do’s and Don’ts
Never talk about PACs and PAC money in a legislative
office – keep the $$ talk to a campaign office or other
outside site.
Never coerce or threaten a colleague to support the
CRNA-PAC.
Never promise a PAC donation.
If soliciting for the PAC, include disclaimer.
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Check Delivery
Members are encouraged to meet with
candidates as a result of PAC support, but
actual checks mailed directly to the
campaign office. Why?
FEC Compliance – delivery timelines
Tracking of checks
AANA Office will give you a letter and copy
of check.
Resources
FPDs can request information at any time from the AANA
FGA staff about a federal legislator or candidate
“Inside” record, candidate & AANA campaign funding, etc…
Can view CRNA-PAC disbursements at any time at
www.opensecrets.org
Visit the
Care to be Counted website for the
latest information at
www.caretobecounted.org
FPD My Community Site on My AANA
CRNA-PAC Videos and materials
Join CRNA-PAC for
Havana Nights
6:00-8:00 PM
Live Music, Cigar Roller, and
more!
Purchase your ticket at the
CRNA-PAC Booth
Thank you for your support!
For more information, contact:
Kate Fry, AANA Associate Director for Political Affairs
202-741-9087 / kfry@aanadc.com
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