FSPAC

Political Action Committee future generations of student leaders 5 I n its 15-year history, FSPAC has built strong relationships with Congress members and candidates, and has provided financial support to their campaigns. Collectively, we have developed a strong and important presence in Washington, D.C., to defend and enhance the fraternity and sorority experience. Here's a brief update on political happenings as we approach the 2020 elections and the waning days of the 116th Congress. DIVERSITY OF SUPPORT In today's hyper-partisan environment, FSPAC remains refreshingly bipartisan. Regardless of party affiliation, we contribute to candidates who believe in the benefits and opportunities that fraternities and sororities offer to collegians. Other issues unrelated to the Greek community do not factor into our contribution decisions. We support candidates who represent all regions of the country, various demographics, and diverse backgrounds. They are typically Greek alumni, but not always. An excellent example of this and the value of bipartisanship are two of our leading champions— Representatives Ruben Gallego (D-AZ/Sigma Chi) and Elise Stefanik (R-NY). Both are Harvard graduates who collaborated to become the lead sponsors of the Collegiate Freedom of Association Act, which is currently pending in the House as part of the College Affordability Act. Our contribution patterns closely align with the party breakdown of Greeks in Congress and of Congress overall. For the 2020 election cycle, here's the tally as of August 1. FSPAC gives special attention to National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) alumnae candidates who, as a group, are underrepresented in Congress. This especially applies to those NPC women who are running for the first time. The charts below illustrate FSPAC's support for women candidates in this election cycle as of August 1. PANDEMIC PRIORITIES In addition to our ongoing legislative priorities—freedom of association, anti-hazing, and tax parity for housing donations—we are also working to ensure that our nonprofit housing corporations are included in an upcoming round of pandemic relief legislation. Greek housing corporations operate as small businesses and have suffered financially due to campus shutdowns and other housing challenges related to the pandemic. Including these 501(c)(2) or 501(c)(7) organizations in federal loan eligibility and liability protection is of great importance to fraternities and sororities. Earlier this year, we had a significant win for Greek housing when the House passed the HEROES Act, which contained these elements. Activity is now focused on the Senate to incorporate similar language. ZOOM SUCCESSES Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, meetings with Congress members and candidates have pivoted to video conferences via Zoom. FSPAC has hosted dozens of these meetings and they have become a superb venue to amplify your voice and deepen relationships. This format increases the time we spend with these individuals, which allows us to explore issues in much more depth. On your behalf, FSPAC board members have been busier than ever this year. THE NEXT VICE PRESIDENT WILL BE A GREEK While FSPAC does not contribute to presidential campaigns, it is exciting to know that the next vice president will be a Greek. FSPAC supported Mike Pence, a Phi Gamma Delta alumnus, when he was a member of the House. Kamala Harris is an Alpha Kappa Alpha alumna, whose sorority is visibly supporting her. FSPAC contributed to her campaign when she first ran for the Senate. Loyally, Andrea Bechtel, ΧΩ FSPAC VP Political Affairs A View of the Political Landscape Representative Ruben Gallego (D-AZ/Sigma Chi) Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) Republicans 52% Greeks in the 116th Congress Composition of the 116th Congress FSPAC Candidate Contributions 2019-20 Election Cycle (as of 8/1/20) FSPAC Candidate Contributions 2019-20 Election Cycle (as of 8/1/20) Democrats 49% Republicans 51% Men 76% Men 61% Women 24% Women 39% Democrats 48%

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