POLITICAL ACTIVITIES

TEPAC - Treasury Employees Political Action Committee

Q:    What is TEPAC
A:    TEPAC stands for the Treasury Employees Political Action Committee. TEPAC's number one goal is to help elect candidates who will support NTEU positions on federal employee and federal issues.

Q:    Why can't NTEU just use my dues money?
A:    Federal election law prohibits the use of dues money to make contributions to a candidate's campaigns. TEPAC must rely upon voluntary contributions from individual NTEU members.

Q:    How does NTEU raise money for TEPAC?
A:    NTEU pools small contributions from our membership and we in turn make larger contributions to candidates running for federal office.

Q:    How does NTEU decide who to make a TEPAC contribution to?
A:    NTEU takes many different criteria into account. For instance, if the candidate is an incumbent, we look at his or her voting record. We also look to see if he or she serves on a committee that has jurisdiction over federal employee issues. We also take into consideration whether the Member of Congress has a  good working relationship with our local chapter members. If the candidate is a challenger, we provide a questionnaire that includes  questions on federal employees issues. We look to see if he or she held local office and what his or her voting record was on public employee issues. We also look to see if that candidate has a credible and well managed campaign. Probably the most important factor is if an NTEU member makes a recommendation of support! These are just some of the criteria.

Q:    What do the candidates use this money for?
A:    Candidates use this money for anything that is needed to run their campaign. Some of the money may be used for television ads, radio ads, bumper stickers. yard signs or to pay professional campaign workers.

Q:    Is my contribution deductible on my federal income tax return?
A:    Contributions to TEPAC are not tax deductible.

Q:    Why doesn't my local chapter have lunch n' learns or desk drops providing me this information at my work site?
A:    Since TEPAC is the political portion of NTEU's legislative actions, it is unlawful to solicit TEPAC funds on government property or work site. Therefore, all solicitations must be away from the work place. This is also the reason you must not use a government computer to access this portion of our web site.

Q:    How can I make a contribution?
A:    NTEU members may contribute to TEPAC through payroll deduction. By signing a SF1199A form, an NTEU member may contribute to TEPAC each pay period. NTEU members may also make contributions by sending a money order, a check (made out to TEPAC) or by giving cash. (Please do not send cash through the mail.) You may contribute as little as $1.00 per pay period or as much as you desire.

Q:    Who can I talk to about my TEPAC contribution?
A:    You may speak with your Chapter President, Legislative Coordinator or your chapter's TEPAC Coordinator. For more information feel free to call the National Office at (202) 572-5500 and ask for Deborah Jansen, click here to email her.

Q:    Where do I send my contribution?
A:    Send all contributions and  payroll deductions forms to:
        TEPAC
        1750 H Street N.W.
        Washington, D.C. 20006