4 Ways to Invest in Good Government
1. BUILD PAC:
BUILD-PAC (Builders United In Legislative Decisions Political Action Committee) is the federal political action committee of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). BUILD-PAC helps elect the most qualified pro-housing, pro-business candidates to federal office. Your contribution to the PAC will have a multiple impact when added to the thousands of contributions from other NAHB members. With so much time spent on your livelihood, you alone can’t influence Congress. BUILD-PAC is strength in numbers; the more members who support BUILD-PAC, the stronger our clout in the political process. BUILD-PAC is completely independent and bipartisan. All candidates are judged strictly on their merits and voting records. A 100+ member Board of Trustees decides which candidates receive BUILD-PAC support. Most states have at least one Trustee that is nominated by the state or local association. Your WI Trustees are Bryce Styza (Metro) and Ron Derrick (St. Croix Valley), Your Alternates are Monica Sommerfeldt Lewis (Chippewa Valley) and Leon Church (Valley).
BUILD-PAC identifies and supports candidates with a demonstrated commitment to:
• Reducing government regulations
• Lowering taxes
• Working for sound environmental policies
• Limiting or eliminating tariffs on building materials
• Improving housing affordability and home-ownership opportunities
• Supporting small business issues
How to Invest: All contributions to BUILD-PAC must be remitted to WBA for local credit!!!!
There are many different options:
BUILD PAC Supporter: Any amount
Dollar-A-Day Club: $365 annually (payment in full)
Gold Key Club: $1000 annually (payment quarterly, semi annual or annual)
Platinum Club: $2,500 annually (payment quarterly, semi annual or annual)
Capitol Club: $5,000 annually (payment quarterly, semi annual or annual)
2. BUILDING A BETTER WI PAC:
Your state PAC includes contributions from WBA members from across the state, combining their resources to support pro-housing, pro-business candidates running for office in Wisconsin. The BBW Committee is governed by WBA members, called Trustees, from throughout the state. Each local association is allowed at least one Trustee on the BBW Committee. This group determines which candidates receive PAC contributions. PAC contribution decisions are made with the input of local associations and by reviewing the candidates' positions and voting records on housing and WBA priority issues. Support is bi-partisan.
It is important to note that PAC dollars can have an immediate beneficial effect that is felt directly by the campaign committees of our state legislators. These are funds that are allocated to directly interface with our local and state elected officials.
How to Invest: All contribution levels are welcome. BBW local goals are based on a $20.00 per member donation to the BBW PAC. Campaign finance law prohibits corporate checks or individual contributions above $10,000.00 per year. Please make checks out to BBW.
3. BUILDERS DIRECT FUND CONDUIT:
The BDF is a conduit which allows you to direct your individual contribution to candidates of your choosing. Participation in the conduit is an option that is good for individuals that are politically active. For instance, you receive a fundraising letter from a candidate running for State Assembly who you support. Instead of sending a personal check directly to the candidate, you can send a check to the Builders Direct Fund and then direct those dollars to go to the candidate of your choice. By making your political contributions through the Builders Direct Fund you allow your local association to reach its fundraising goal that year, WBA to receive recognition from the candidate, and you still receive credit for your personal contribution. The conduit system is unique to Wisconsin and is a great system for allowing individuals to actively contribute to candidates on the state level. Keep in mind, you can deposit funds in the conduit at any time and it will be held in your name, only to be released to candidates as a contribution at your direction.
How to Invest:
1. Funds to the Builders Direct Fund and BBWPAC must come from individual and not corporate sources.
2. The Builders Direct Fund minimum individual deposit is $100.
3. Funds from the Builders Direct Fund can only go to candidates running for office on the state and local levels — not candidates running for President, U.S. Senate, or U.S. House of Representatives.
4. Please make checks out to BDF.
4. BUILDING INDUSTRY COUNCIL:
BIC is a separate legal entity, but affiliated with WBA, and established under Section 501 (c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. BIC works to keep Wisconsin’s economy strong through its public education and advocacy efforts. BIC also participates in legal efforts at all levels to advance important public policy issues affecting jobs and Wisconsin’s economy.
BIC’s goals for you are:
• To promote, develop, define, and encourage distribution of information about Wisconsin’s economic climate and the importance of job creation to the general public of Wisconsin.
• To foster, encourage, and coordinate the development of public policy that will lead to greater economic opportunity and a higher quality of life for Wisconsin’s citizens.
• To engage in activities that facilitate public education on issues that better the community as a whole.
How To Invest: Join your local builders association today and support BIC. BIC accepts corporate checks ($10,000 to $40,000).
We must participate to be recognized as a lobbying and political force before public officials are even elected, which helps our credibility when we discuss issues important to us after they are elected!
Member involvement is an integral part of WBA’s political action activities and success. Please feel free to contact Kate Levanetz if you are interested in more information or how to get involved at 1-888-285-9066 ext. 15.
