ANA-PAC FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

WHAT IS A PAC?

Organizations such as ANA are federally prohibited by law from contributing to or endorsing federal candidates or committees. ANA-PAC was founded by ANA to support candidates running for federal office who champion the association's legislative priorities, which is supported solely by the voluntary contributions of ANA members.

WHO CAN GIVE TO ANA-PAC?

ANA members and their families who are U.S. citizens or green card holders may contribute to ANA-PAC's efforts to elect more nursing champions to U.S. Congress.

HOW DOES ANA-PAC HELP ADVANCE NURSING AND HEALTH CARE?

ANA-PAC helps advance nursing and health care through: Supporting federal candidates and elected officials who champion nursing issues and tackle the problems that affect nurses most, like staffing and access to affordable health care. Joining with our members and constituent and state nurses associations (C/SNAs) to identify how our government can do better for nurses and for health care. Giving power to ALL nurses who deserve a voice in the halls of Congress and beyond.

WHAT IS THE ANA-PAC SUPPORT CRITERIA FOR CANDIDATES AND COMMITTEES?

The ANA-PAC uses the funds raised from ANA members to financially support Congressional candidates who are supportive of ANA’s legislative priorities without regard to political party affiliation. ANA staff evaluate contributions based on the following guidelines: Reviewing the candidate's position and/or voting record on issues impacting registered nurses The candidate is in a leadership position within their party The candidate serves on a committee that has jurisdiction over health policy A candidate's viability in a given election Recommendations from PAC member(s) of candidates who are supportive of ANA’s legislative priorities Contributions to the leadership PAC of a member of Congress when in a leadership or relevant committee position Contributions to other political action committees and national political party committees are permitted For the ANA-PAC’s criteria for supporting candidates running in an open-seat (non-incumbent), please see the FAQ titled WHO DOES ANA ENDORSE, AND HOW?

WHO DOES ANA ENDORSE, AND HOW?

ANA-PAC focuses solely on federal races for the US House and Senate. Endorsements can be made with financial support or in name only with a different endorsement process for incumbent versus non-incumbent candidates running for an open Congressional seat. An incumbent's Congressional voting record, involvement, and advocacy for nursing and health care are key to earning an endorsement from ANA. For non-incumbents, several criteria include, but are not limited to: voting records of previous offices held, answers to ANA's questionnaire, relationship with the relevant C/SNA, and interview with the candidate.

ANA works closely with our constituent and state nurses associations (C/SNAs) to make any endorsement selections. All information is submitted to the ANA-PAC Board of Trustees for final review and approval before endorsements and financial contributions are announced.

DOES ANA-PAC ENDORSE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES?

The ANA-PAC ended its process of endorsing presidential candidates in 2019. ANA’s Membership Assembly voted to move from a presidential endorsement policy to a presidential engagement policy. ANA continues to empower and resource all nurses and nurse advocates to support the candidate of their choice for president. This engagement ensures ANA is best positioned to work with the next president and their administration regardless of their political affiliation.

WHO MAKES UP THE ANA-PAC BOARD?

The ANA-PAC Board consists of 11 trustees. Three are sitting members of the ANA Board of Directors (BOD) who are appointed to one-year terms by the ANA President. The remaining 8 trustees are appointed to two-year terms by the BOD based on the recommendation of the board's Committee on Appointments. The ANA-PAC Board of Trustees page lists the current members.

WHAT ARE ANA’S PAC GOALS?

ANA-PAC aims to elect nurse champions to U.S. Congress. We attain these goals by consistently raising $500,000 or more each election cycle to contribute to candidates and incumbents whose values align with those of ANA.

ANA-PAC is also committed to increasing the involvement of ANA members in the PAC and advocacy program to 6% of ANA's annual membership.

WHY DO ANA MEMBERS CONTRIBUTE TO THE PAC?

Nurses advocate every day for their patients. But who is advocating for nurses?

ANA-PAC is committed to securing and maintaining a seat at the table for nurses. Contributing to the PAC means more nurse allies and champions are elected to U.S. Congress, getting America's 4.1 million nurses a place in the room where big decisions are made that affect nurses and health care nationwide.

DOES ANA-PAC ENDORSE BOTH DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS?

ANA-PAC is proud to be a nonpartisan organization that endorses candidates and elected officials of all political leanings -- as long as they'll be a nurse ally once they get to Congress. PAC members can select their party preference when making their contribution.

ARE MEMBER’S DUES USED TO SUPPORT FEDERAL CANDIDATES OR COMMITTEES?

No. Member dues are never used to support political campaigns or to financially support any political committee. That is illegal. However, ANA’s member dues are used to defray the daily administrative costs of operating the PAC.

HOW MUCH IS AN ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUAL EXPECTED TO CONTRIBUTE TO ANA-PAC?

No one is expected to contribute any certain amount. Every dollar counts toward electing nurse champions to Congress -- even $1 can make a difference. However, $5,000 per election cycle is the maximum a member can give to the PAC under federal law. Your membership with ANA is not contingent upon your involvement in the PAC.

WHAT IF AN ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUAL DOES NOT PARTICIPATE?

No individual will be favored or disadvantaged by reason of the amount of the employee’s contribution or the employee’s decision not to contribute.

IS A CONTRIBUTION TO ANA-PAC TAX DEDUCTIBLE?

No. Political contributions are not tax deductible per federal guidelines.

CAN’T ANA CONTRIBUTE DIRECTLY TO FEDERAL CANDIDATES?

Federal law prohibits associations from contributing directly to candidates which is why ANA created ANA-PAC. ANA-PAC uses its funds to contribute directly to federal candidates and other political committees.

WHO DOES THE PAC REPRESENT?

ANA-PAC and its state affiliates represent the interests of all 4.2 million nurses in the United States, regardless of ANA or ANA-PAC membership, practice setting, or specialty. Policymakers in Congress recognize ANA as the voice of nursing on Capitol Hill, and we take pride in being that voice for ALL nurses nationwide.

HOW DO I GET ON THE ANA-PAC BOARD OF TRUSTEES?

Members of the ANA-PAC Board of Trustees are appointed by the ANA Board of Directors based on the recommendation of the board’s Committee on Appointments (COA). Individual ANA members may nominate themselves for appointment by submitting a nomination during the annual Call for Nominations for Appointed Positions (open in 2020 from April 30 through 5pm ET, June 29, 2020). Since all trustee terms are aligned with the Federal election cycle, nominations for the ANA-PAC are accepted in even years only. For more information about the appointments process, please visit the Committee on Appointments web page. Minimum criteria for service on the ANA-PAC Board of Trustees include: Being an active member of a C/SNA/ANA or an IMD member and a registered voter Demonstrating interest in political activities, evidenced by involvement with the political action committee of a C/SNA-PAC and/or experience in political campaigns and/or political fundraising Having the ability to give or get a minimum of $1,000 per calendar year for fundraising Having familiarity with the N-STAT Leadership Team Having experience with lobbying at the local, state, or national level Having a pattern of consistent contribution to the ANA-PAC Please contact leader@ana.org if you have any questions about nominations.

WHAT IS THE LEADERSHIP SOCIETY?

The ANA-PAC Leadership Society page provides information about the Leadership Society, the current members and the qualifications for becoming a member.