The goal of the Washington Technology Industry Association TechPAC is to provide political contributions to incumbents and candidates who have demonstrated a record of support for the Washington Technology Industry Associations priority legislative issues.

Political contributions are a valuable tool for any organization that advocates in the public policy sector. Unless those that are elected understand the tech industry’s issues and have a relationship with the Washington Technology Industry Association, its board, members and staff, laws and policy that allow the technology industry to thrive under the right conditions is unlikely. Political contributions are used in conjunction with direct lobbying; communications with WTIA members and elected officials, grassroots and grasstops issue campaigns and media relations. Without political contributions, these policy levers are less effective.

The TechPAC is regulated by the state’s Public Disclosure Commission, www.pdc.wa.gov.  Reports are filed per state law and are accessible at the PDC’s website.

Contribution limits are adjusted annually by the PDC.  For 2008, state legislative candidates can receive up to $800 for the primary and up to $800 for the general election from an individual, political action committee, corporation or union. Statewide candidates (Governor, Attorney General, Treasurer, etc.) can receive up to $1600 for the primary and up to $1600 for the general election. Other limits apply to contributions to legislative caucus committees, local party committees and state party committees.  The TechPAC does not contribute to candidates for federal office.

The TechPAC depends on voluntary contributions from individuals and companies.  Any amount can be contributed.  All contributions over $25 are disclosed and reported to the PDC.  A $100 contribution or more is required to be a TechPAC member, which then provides access to PAC decision making.  You do not have to be a WTIA member or sponsor to contribute, as the TechPAC is a separate legal entity.  Contributions may be made by either check or credit card. Click here to download the TechPAC contribution form.

WTIA’s Vice President of Government Affairs makes periodic recommendations to the PAC members for contributions to candidates/incumbents.  TechPAC members are eligible to attend fund raising events for candidates/incumbents whom TechPAC supports.

The TechPAC is bipartisan, basing its support upon funds available and by the voting record of the incumbent/candidate for WTIA’s key legislative and policy issues.

For more information, please contact WTIA’s VP of Government and External Affairs, Lewis McMurran, at Lmcmurran@washingtontechnology.org or by phone at (206) 448-3033 x101.