1. Why Participation is Important

2.  PAC stands for political action committee  Special organizations set up for the purpose of collecting contributions from large numbers of people for the purpose of making contributions to campaigns and candidates.  Federal PACs – BLET PAC  Donations collected for candidates who are running for federal office such as congress or president  Funds donated to the BLET PAC are 50/50 National use and State use for federal elections.  State PACs - TXPAC  Donations collected for use in state elections such as governor, representative, or senator.

3.  Keeping members and families informed on key issues affecting our future  Rallies, news conferences, advertisements, and phone banks to build support on issues of concern to working people  Voter registration and financial support for political candidates who will stand up for working families  TXPAC funds work for retired members and their spouses living in Texas by working on current issues which may affect them.

4.  TXPAC directly impacts the TSLB’s ability to lobby Texas Legislators effectively  PACs can contribute more money to candidates than individuals  Railroads and other large corporations are constantly lobbying for legislation that helps their bottom line and foregoes the safety of the worker.  Anti-rail labor interests routinely spend huge amounts of money to elect candidates hostile to unions.  A strong and effective TXPAC is needed to fight for us and promote BLE&Ts interests in the political process

5.  BNSF  Donations received $1,276,472.64  Candidate Contributions$1,036,000.00  Union Pacific Railroad  Donations received $1,275,128.80  Candidate Contributions$1,039,300.00

6.  Contributions $420,715.78  Donations$263,550.00

7.  Set goals for PAC donations in your division  Keep PAC forms readily available for members  Attend monthly meetings and encourage members to sign up

8.  Elect politicians who will respond to our interests  Influence legislation and regulations to take into account our concerns  Stop those who try to take away our jobs, harm rail safety, or infringe upon our rights as workers.  Give us the power to fight in Austin and Washington for your rights and safety.