Co-Op Owners For Political Action
Cooperative members Join cooperative employees in the fight for Co-ops
For over 30 years, the Action Committee for Rural Electrification (ACRE) has been working to support candidates for the US Senate and House of Representatives that understand and advocate on behalf of the value of electric cooperatives and their consumer owners. Now through a special program – Co-op Owners for Political Action – you, as a member-owner, have the ability to help strengthen this support and join the over 23,000 members of ACRE.
The timing of this program could not be more critical. You don’t have to look past the morning headlines to see that the energy debate is one of the nation’s most volatile. We need your help to shape this debate in favor of electric cooperatives and their member-owners. It does not take a lot of time or money to be a cooperative advocate. Through the Co-op Owners for Political Action we have made it easy for you to make a small monthly donation along with your electric bill and we hope that you will consider participation in this program. Together we will continue to fight for a viable environment for electric cooperatives and the quality of life they bring to your community. Visit the Congressional Action Center and send an email to your representative and Senators.
What does ACRE do?
Rural electric system employees and members need representative in Congress who understand the important issues affecting rural electric co-ops and who will fight for rural electric consumers. ACRE was organized to support only the political candidates – those in Congress now and running for Congress – who will speak for and protect the interests of rural electric consumers and their cooperative electric systems.
What is Co-op Owners for Political Action?
It’s an exciting new program that allows residential electric cooperative members (member-owners) to strengthen their voice in the political process.
Where does your contribution go?
With the exception of a small federal tax payment of less than 1%, all of your membership contribution to Co-op Owners for Political Action goes directly to the campaigns of candidates who support rural electrification and another percentage goes to your state PAC to aid in state and local elections.
How does your small contribution make a difference?
ACRE ’s strength comes from you and your commitment to cooperative rural electrification. It is each individual’s membership that helps us stand together and allows ACRE to remain strong and promote the legislative objectives of the rural electric program.
So, how do you join?
Just say Yes!
It's easy to join. Click on ACRE Form fill out, print, and mail to: People’s Cooperative Services, Attention: Member Services, PO Box 339, Rochester, MN 55903-0339.
There are two easy ways to participate in Co-op Owners for Political Action. Cooperative members may contribute through their monthly electric bill or simply write a check to make a cash donation and send it in along with your form to People’s Cooperative Services, Attention: Member Services, PO Box 339, Rochester, MN 55903-0339.
ACRE Co-op Owners for Political Action is a political action committee that gives the consumer-members of electric cooperatives the opportunity to have their voices heard on issues affecting their electric cooperative and their communities.
Consumer-members of electric cooperatives are among 36 million Americans who can claim ownership in a not-for-profit, consumer-controlled company that provides a reliable supply of electricity at an affordable price. As an owner, you have the privilege of participating in the political affairs of your cooperative. That includes your unique right to make financial contributions to the campaigns of candidates for political office who support your electric cooperative.
State and federal government officials make policy decisions that affect your local cooperative and your way of life. This program is for you to help determine who gets elected to make those decisions.
Why is ACRE® unique?
The Action Committee for Rural Electrification® (ACRE) is the more than 34,000 member political action committee of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
What makes ACRE different from other PACs?
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ACRE funds are personal contributions from local co-op managers, directors, employees and member-owners of electric cooperatives. The average ACRE contribution is about $44 dollars per year.
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ACRE is a true grassroots program, made up of activists who understand that political involvement is a necessary ingredient for success in the political process.
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ACRE members come from all backgrounds and regions of the country. They represent the interests of the nation’s nearly 1,000 not-for-profit electric cooperative systems and their 42 million consumers in rural, suburban and ex-urban areas of the country.
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ACRE supports congressional candidates, regardless of party, who share public policy goals that are consistent with the mission of member-owned electric cooperatives. Also, half of the contributions to ACRE are returned to the statewide associations for use in state elections.
While ACRE supports candidates for the United States House and Senate, it does not contribute to presidential campaigns.
All PAC contributions, including ACRE’s monthly disclosure report, are available from the Federal Election Commission’s website.
Learn about matters of legislation important to electric cooperatives and contact your elected representatives in Washington to express your views. Get the valuable information available from government resources and trusted private organizations for consumers.