PVMA Keystone Veterinarian Winter 2021 - 8

A Message from PVMA's Political Action Committee (PAC)

Importance of
Political Action
Committees
and Legislative
Connections
Pennsylvania lawmakers file thousands of bills every legislative
session (a session lasts two years, e.g.; 2021-2022), many of
which have the potential to affect the veterinary profession.
It is imperative to put yourself in the best position possible
to advocate for or against bills and issues that affect your
profession. To do so, building relationships with lawmakers and
key stakeholders is vitally important.
However, building relationships with lawmakers does not
happen overnight, or in a single electoral cycle. Supporting
elected officials who support your interests is a fundamentally
worthwhile process. The more allies you have inside the Capitol,
especially those with whom you can quickly schedule a meeting
or call, the easier it will be to advocate for your cause. A political
action committee (PAC) can play a vital role in advocacy efforts
and building legislative connections. A PAC can raise and spend
money to elect or defeat candidates for elected office. As you
advocate for an issue or bill, or your profession in general,
PACs function as a tool to help build relationships with elected
officials. It is essential to find lawmakers who support your
cause(s), as they will be the ones pushing for your policy goals
inside the Capitol. A PAC allows you, or your organization, to
make donations to a candidate, aiding in their election or re-

election efforts. Supporting allies in their elections is vitally
important to advancing your policy goals. A PAC allows you and
your organization to be a visible and valuable player.
As experts in your field, lawmakers depend upon your insights
and analysis on the issues that matter most to you. A PAC can
help get you and your organization in front of elected officials to
explain why a bill or issue can help or hinder your organization or
your organization's priorities. Being involved with a PAC engages
you in the legislative process and highlights you as a critical
stakeholder for the issues your organization stands for. Suppose
a committee is holding a hearing on a bill or issue. Lawmakers
know who you are, value the information you provide, and may
invite you to contribute testimony.
Knowing the political and legislative landscape is essential. What
committees could lawmakers send bills related to veterinarians?
Who oversees these committees? PACs allow you to stand out
and get to know these lawmakers and build out your legislative
network. Having strong legislative relationships and using a PAC
also provides a window into the legislative process for you, our
members-particularly during election season-and can aid in
grassroots lobbying efforts for PVMA and our Members.

If you want your voice to be heard, please consider supporting PVMA's PAC.
Contributions can be sent to Pennsylvania Veterinary Political Action Committee (PVPAC),
8574 Paxton Street, Hummelstown, PA 17036.
Corporate checks are not permitted by Pennsylvania law. PVPAC may only accept voluntary donations from individuals. Please
make your personal check out to PVPAC.
8 | Keystone Veterinarian

PVMA Keystone Veterinarian Winter 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of PVMA Keystone Veterinarian Winter 2021