FSPAC

Summer 2014 Newsletter

Fraternity & Sorority Political Action Committee newsletter

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the Fraternity and Sorority P O L I T I C A L A C T I O N C O M M I T T E E ΑΒΓ Δ Ε Ζ Η Θ Ι Κ Λ Μ Ν Ξ Ο Π Ρ Σ Τ Υ Φ Χ Ψ Ω summer 2014 alumni and student Leaders Lobby on capitol Hill Your Support Enables Greeks to Be Heard I n April, several hundred collegiate members and fraternity/sorority leaders gathered in Washington to lobby for the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act (CHIA). The Fraternal Government Relations Coalition (FGRC), comprised of the North American Interfraternity Conference, the National Panhellenic Conference, and the Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee (FSPAC), continues to focus on gaining as many co- sponsors as possible for this bipartisan bill so that when broader tax reform becomes a reality, CHIA will be included in that legislation. Discussions were also held on the preservation of the full value of the charitable deduction in the U.S. tax code and the FGRC's support of withdrawing federal financial aid eligibility from any student who is criminally convicted in a state court of a felony or violent offenses related to hazing. Our agenda of public policy issues has evolved beyond just one piece of legislation to include other issues that impact the fraternity/ sorority experience. The annual FSPAC dinner, held following the Hill visits on April 30, was attended by several members of Congress who shared their appreciation for the fraternity/sorority experience. During the dinner, outgoing President Cindy Stellhorn, ΚΑΘ, was honored for her service to the FSPAC. Cindy, a founding member, served as president twice, from 2012 to 2014. The FSPAC is grateful for her dedication to its legislative goals and to the continuing development of the FGRC. Her wisdom and sense of humor guided the board through two successful years. Our donors are college students, corporate business men and women, local house corporation members, and fraternity and sorority leaders and staff members. Your contributions, large and small, are all greatly appreciated. It is through your continuing support that the collective voice of many is heard in Washington, D.C. Sincerely, Sarah Lindsay, ΔΔΔ FSPAC President Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 2014 House and senate sponsorsHip 105 House of Representatives Co-Sponsors H.R. 1449 Lead Democrat Sponsor: Pete Sessions (R-TX/ΠΚΑ) 12 Senate Co-Sponsors S.654 Lead Republican Sponsor: Mary Landrieu (D-LA/ΔΓ) (As of July 19, 2014) Thank You, FSPAC Donors T hank you to the donors who have made pledges and cash contributions totaling $476,564 during the 2013-14 cycle toward the FSPAC's $600,000 goal. A listing of all current donor names appears on the website, www.FSPAC.org. S ince arriving as a freshman at Atlanta's Emory University from Memphis, Tennessee, Ginger Hicks Smith, president of the Delta Delta Delta Foundation's Board of Trustees, has remained close to her collegiate roots. Following graduation, she began her career at Emory and is currently director of library external affairs for Emory's Robert W. Woodruff Library. She is a former chapter advisor to her collegiate chapter and also served Delta Delta Delta Fraternity as an executive board member from 1996 to 2004. Smith stresses the importance of supporting the FSPAC. "It's how organizations like ours can influence public policy about issues that impact Greek life within the larger public and political worlds," adding, "When Greek leaders give their time, energy, and brainpower, it demonstrates their association is more than just social, it's also about responsible citizenship." The FSPAC supports the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act, which is aimed at providing safe and affordable student housing. Having dealt with the aftermath of an electrical fire in Emory's chapter lodge during recruitment, Smith understands firsthand the importance of safe chapter facilities. During its 25th anniversary year, the Tri Delta Foundation sponsored a collegian to participate in the April Hill visits by making a grant to the Fraternity. The Fraternity usually sends four students to Washington but was able to send five because of the Foundation's additional support this year. Delta Delta Delta Fraternity also supports the FSPAC as a donor to the Independent Expenditure Account, which permits donations from corporations that otherwise are not permitted to financially support PAC activities. Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC), who chairs the subcommittee on higher education and workforce training, with NPC Chairman Jean Mrasek, ΧΩ, outgoing FSPAC President Cindy Stellhorn, ΚΑΘ, and FSPAC President Sarah Lindsay, ΔΔΔ. Ginger Hicks Smith, ΔΔΔ, Shows Responsible Citizenship through Giving House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD/ΣΧ) with ΣΧ brothers. w w w. f s pa c . or g

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