| |
|
Federal Election Campaign Act
While the Hatch Act pertains to only the Federal workforce, the Federal Election Campaign Act (or FECA) regulates all activities associated with federal elections—Presidential, Senatorial, and Congressional races. Union political involvement at all levels is regulated by FECA. Just as the Hatch Act can be summarized by "Off the clock, and out of uniform," FECA allows unions to fund and participate in political activity when limited to members, their families, and union employees. When raising funds for COLCPE, only NALC members, staff, and families can be asked to donate. Also only COLCPE money can be donated directly to a political campaign. NALC treasury funds can be used to communicate with members, staff, and families, but there are some restrictions.
Political Action Committees - COLCPE
Only individuals and political action committees can make direct contributions; unions are barred from donating treasury funds to a political campaign. COLCPE receives and disburses funds solely for political activity. Additionally, COLCPE's greatest asset is the ability to pool resources—through COLCPE, letter carriers can donate up to $10,000 to each candidate during their election cycle. Individuals can only donate a maximum of $2,000 during this same timeframe.
COLCPE funds are raised through various sorts of solicitations—union meetings, trainings and conventions, direct mail pieces. NALC members (both active and retired carriers), staff, and their families make up COLCPE's "restricted class." When raising money for COLCPE, there is no limit on solicitation of this restricted class. However, they cannot be forced to contribute to COLCPE or be reprimanded for not contributing, though incentives and rewards for donating for participating are acceptable.
Funds for COLCPE can be raised in a variety of ways—fundraisers, raffles, and direct mail are the most frequently used by letter carriers and NALC. However, FECA states that only contributions less than $50 can remain anonymous, and any contributor whose donations exceed $100 during the 2-year election cycle (in this case November 8, 2000 to November 5, 2002) must give by writing a check. |
