Electric co-ops are facing many legislative issues that will affect the future operations of the cooperative and the rates paid by co-op members. One way you can help is by joining the ACRE Co-op Owners for Political Action (COPA) program, which provides a convenient way for member-owners to participate in the political affairs of their co-op. The participation of member-owners helps ensure the voice of electric cooperatives remains strong and effective in the political arena.
Choptank Electric Cooperative is a proud 5-Star Co-op! Our Co-op has taken the initiative to promote voting measures through our communications, and developing a political game plan that benefits our members.
ACRE: Action Committee for Rural Electrification
The Action Committee for Rural Electrification® (ACRE)® is the political action committee (PAC) of the nation's electric cooperatives. Founded in 1966 by the approximately 1,000 cooperatives of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), it supports candidates for state and federal office - those in office now and running for office - who will speak for and protect the interests of electric cooperatives and their member-owners.
More than 34,000 employees and boards of directors across the country are helping their electric co-ops as ACRE members. Member-owners can help by joining COPA to participate in a nationwide grassroots community with a strong collective voice working on behalf of electric cooperatives and their members. By joining, members will receive current information on legislative and political issues affecting local electric cooperatives and their members, including the ACRE Newsletter, and receive a membership pin.
Contributions are used to help educate elected representatives about issues affecting your co-op and you, and to explain how proposed legislation could harm or help rural electric consumers and their cooperatives. For more information, please contact Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Relations, Valerie Connelly, by calling 877-892-0001.
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 if you would like to send an email to your representative and senators.
If you need a list of your representatives and senators, feel free to visit the Maryland General Assembly website today!
The law allows individuals with common interests to pool their resources using PACs in order to make political contributions to candidates for state and federal office. Candidates who receive a substantial contribution from ACRE get an important message about your interest in your local community's electric cooperative.
No. The IRS has ruled all political contributions, such as those to COPA, are not tax deductible.
With the exception of a small federal tax payment of less than 1%, all contributions to COPA go directly to the campaigns of candidates for political office. A portion of your contribution (about half) may be refunded to your state electric cooperative PAC to support candidates for state office. Contributions go legislators who are favorable to co-op initiatives regardless of party affiliation.
Factors that determine financial support include the candidate's position on issues critical to electric co-ops, as well as votes and public statements on these issues; the candidate's committee assignments and leadership positions and his or her relative importance to cooperatives; and a candidate's financial need and the strength of his or her opponent. The political affiliation is never taken into account.