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| September, 2003 | The
Monthly Newspaper of the NYSSCPA |
Vol.
8, No. 9 |
Political Action Committee Prepares for 2003–2004
By Michael L. Borsuk
New York State Society CPA PAC, your political action committee, has reorganized to continue its important role of assuring that state legislators and statewide elected officials understand the issues and needs of the CPA profession and are responsive to them.
A good portion of the agenda at this summer’s third annual Leadership Conference focused on the importance of proactive involvement in the legislative process by all CPAs on a grassroots basis. A knowledgeable political adviser, Michael Dunn, recommended a number of specific strategies to the Society, including inviting local legislators in a chapter area to a legislative breakfast; assigning one or more CPAs to serve as contacts with individual legislators of their acquaintance, and arranging meetings with members of the State Board of Regents who represent a chapter area. Expect to hear more about these initiatives from the Society’s chapter leadership as the year unfolds.
Another important aspect of grassroots participation is political fundraisers by chapter members. Here’s where PAC enters the picture. Each year PAC trustees authorize expenditure levels for various legislators and legislative committees. As 2004 is an election year for the entire legislature, your responsiveness to our requests for financial support will be particularly important.
The post-Enron environment is a very challenging period for our profession. Please note that in June the state Senate unanimously passed the accountancy reform bill sought by the Society. Because the Senate action occurred late in the session, the Assembly did not have time to take up the bill, but we are hopeful that they will do so later this year or early next.
We suggest a contribution level of $25 per member, and firm contributions are welcome as well. If you haven’t already donated for the current year, I urge you to do so by using the contribution form printed here or going online at www.nysscpa.org/legislative/pac_form1.htm.
Finally, I have been elected president of the PAC Board of Trustees, for which I am honored and grateful. I will make every effort to expand PAC participation and outreach statewide.
Michael L. Borsuk, CPA, is president of the NYSSCPA’s Political Action Committee.
