How does PharmPAC influence the political process?
PharmPAC solicits contributions from individual pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Minnesota and combines them to make larger contributions to candidates and party units. PharmPAC funds are also used to attend fundraiser events for candidates and party units.

Who can receive PharmPAC funds?
Candidates and incumbents who run for state office in Minnesota may receive PharmPAC funds. House of Representative members, Senators, the Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General or any other state candidate that promotes and supports pharmacy can receive PAC funds.

Which funds are accepted by PharmPAC?
Individual contributions are accepted, but corporate contributions are prohibited. For each contribution over $20.00 a record of the donor will be kept. Anonymous contributions can not be accepted by PharmPAC. Other political committees, political funds or political party units registered in MN may also contribute to PharmPAC.

Is PharmPAC regulated?
PharmPAC is regulated by the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board. The state of Minnesota has some of the most strict campaign finance laws in the nation. All information from PharmPAC, other PACs and party units are recorded and filed with the Board. This information is available to the public at www.cfboard.state.mn.us

Are there limits to how much a person can contribute?
An individual may contribute unlimited amounts to PharmPAC. But PharmPAC is limited as to how much they can contribute to candidates and party units.

How does PharmPAC determine who to contribute to?
Contributions are determined with recommendations by the Chair, Treasurer, Deputy Treasurer, the Volunteer Committee, contributors, and others. Contributions are given to candidate or elected officials who are determined to be pharmacy friendly in a nonpartisan manner.

Factors used to determine “pharmacy friendly” include but are not limited to:

• Elected officials who have sponsored or authored legislation for pharmacists or pharmacy
  
• Chair persons of committees which deliberate issues relevant to pharmacy
  
• Elected officials who made difficult votes in favor of pharmacy initiatives
  
• Elected officials who attend or speak at pharmacy events
  
• Elected officials or challengers who pledge support and demonstrate willingness to sponsor pharmacy initiatives
  
• Caucus contributions are determined based on how many candidates or officials from the caucus attend the event, timing and effectiveness of contribution amount

What are the guidelines PharmPAC uses to disperse funds?
Recommendations on which candidates are made by those most involved with the political process, ie lobbyists and PAC volunteers, Chair or Vice Chair who lobby or have legislative and campaign experience. Contributions are disbursed in a non-partisan manner. The qualification is "pharmacy friendly" not party friendly. Persons who shall receive preference when determining contributions, or ways to define "pharmacy friendly":

• Elected officials who have sponsored or authored legislation for pharmacists or pharmacy.
• Chair persons of committees which deliberate issues relevant to pharmacy.
  
• Elected officials who made difficult votes in favor of pharmacy initiatives.
  
• Elected officials who attend and speak at pharmacy events.
  
• Elected officials or challengers who pledge support and demonstrate willingness to sponsor pharmacy initiatives.

Why have a PAC?
PACs are an important part of the American political process. They have been around since 1944, when the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) formed the first one to raise money for the re-election of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. PharmPAC is another way the profession of pharmacy maintains its presence in a crowded arena of special interests in the state’s political process.

What's in it for me?
PharmPAC is an exciting way to be directly involved in the political process. Being involved with PharmPAC enables you to affect your professional livelihood in a powerful, positive way. By contributing to PharmPAC you are going to receive information about candidates and events in your area. You will know who supports your professional interests at the Minnesota state legislature. You will be a part of influencing the political process.