CPA Political Action Committee (CPAPAC)

CPAPAC
Strengthen Our Voice

In 1999, the board of directors of the New York State Society of CPAs voted unanimously to form a political action committee to strengthen the profession's voice with the New York State legislature.

Like all major initiatives, the formation of the New York State Society CPAPAC raises questions about the goals, structure and procedures for making contributions. The following are frequently asked questions:

Q) Why is CPAPAC important?

A) In this age of "political campaigns through the media," the reputation of an organization is not enough to have real influence on legislative matters. CPAPAC will strengthen our voice with the New York State legislature like never before, especially against immense challenges we can expect in the near future.

Q) What challenges?

A) In the past, the Society successfully lobbied for and against legislation that affected our profession. In an age of rapid changes in the business climate-- mergers, acquisitions, and globalization--we can expect to face an increased number of new challenges. Conversely, the changes also pose new opportunities which will require legislative action. For example, we recently proposed legislation to modernize the state's 50-year-old accountancy law to meet the needs of a changing profession.

Q) If the Society lobbied successfully in the past, why does it need CPAPAC now?

A) New York State election laws limited us to a $5,000 per year cap on contributions we could make as an organization to legislators. However, in today's political climate and with skyrocketing election campaign costs, it takes more financial resources, greater coordination, and commitment of our members to exert an influence on the legislature. CPAPAC will empower us with the additional resources we need to succeed.

Q) How will the Society spend the contributions?

A) First, we will support those candidates for office who are our profession's allies. And, CPAPAC will be a powerful tool to mount strong lobbying efforts against bills that might chip away at our important public interest role as independently licensed CPAs. Future challenges will require a greater effort.

Q) Will CPAPAC alter the way legislators view our profession?

A) Until now, the Society was one of the few membership organizations in New York State that did not have a PAC. CPAPAC will send a clear message to legislators that we have issues that are important to our profession and to the wider business community and to public interest sectors and that we will be heard.

Q) I'm a member of the AICPA and already contribute to their PAC.
Isn't CPAPAC a duplication of effort?

A) No, the AICPA's Effective Legislative Committee is designed to lobby for issues at the national level. CPAPAC will deal only with state and local elected officials and candidates.

Q) Do I have anything to say about CPAPAC?

A) Absolutely, your voice will be heard. We welcome the insights and viewpoints of our members, especially with respect to candidates. In addition, a committee of your peers will approve all contributions. At the board's direction, a separate board of trustees consisting of a cross section of the Society membership will make policy decisions.

Q) How much should I contribute?

A) CPAPAC is very important to our future. The more you can contribute, the stronger our voice will be.

Q) How do I make the contribution?

A) Issue a check payable to CPAPAC.

Q) When can I start contributing?

A) Right now. Your annual membership dues invoice includes instructions about how to contribute. If you prefer, use this convenient business reply envelope to send in your contribution now.