Local Election Assistance Program for 2011-12
Your local may be eligible for a grant from the Education Minnesota Political Action Committee (PAC) to help you pass a levy or bond referendum or support candidates in a school board election.
Who is eligible?
All Education Minnesota locals may participate in the program if they:
- Are in good standing with dues transmittal.
- Have at least 90 percent of members participating in PAC reverse dues check-off.
How much funding is our local eligible to receive?
- A local may receive up to $3 per qualified member for documented expenses related to the local election.
- The local may receive an additional $2 per qualified member if it is willing to match the $2 with local money.
- The bottom line: A local that spends $7 per qualified member on election-related expenses could get back $5 per qualified member from the PAC!
Who is a qualified member?
- A qualified member is one who participates in reverse dues check-off. Funding is based on the number of qualified members in a local.
- Qualifying numbers are based on membership records as of March 31, 2011.
How do we obtain reimbursement for election-related expenses?
The local must submit a final application form within 90 days of the election. The application must include:
- Evidence of a well-organized campaign.
- Documentation of campaign-related expenses.
- Official election results.
- Assurance that the proper campaign finance reports have been filed.
- Compliance with PAC policy on local election assistance.
How does our local benefit from this program?
The Local Election Assistance Program can help your local maintain high-quality education for students and positive working conditions for educators in your school district.
What’s more, your members will see a portion of their annual PAC contributions come back in direct support of the local’s work in levy, bond or school board elections. The Education Minnesota Public Affairs Department is available to assist locals with strategic campaign plans, answer questions about the reimbursement program, assist in completing forms and answer questions on campaign finance laws.
The Local Election Assistance Program puts your PAC contribution to work right in your local.
To request an application, contact:
Ashley Behrens
Public Affairs Associate
651-292-4862
800-652-9073, ext. 4862
ashley.behrens@educationminnesota.org
If you have specific questions about the program, contact:
Paul Winkelaar
Member Mobilization
651-292-4837
800-652-9073, ext. 4837
paul.winkelaar@educationminnesota.org
August 26, 2011