Frequently Asked Questions About ASHA-PAC

What is the purpose of ASHA-PAC?

ASHA-PAC seeks to support and represent the interests of speech language pathologists, audiologists, and speech, language and hearing researchers on Capitol Hill through political and financial means. ASHA-PAC also seeks to increase the political awareness of our members through our Let Your Voice Be Heard, Vote! Get Out the Vote campaign.

How long has ASHA-PAC been in existence?

ASHA-PAC was started in 1986 in response to a need for ASHA to become more politically active within the health care and education communities.

How is ASHA-PAC funded?

Federal law prohibits the use of ASHA membership dues to support political candidates. Therefore, the PAC is funded through voluntary individual contributions from ASHA members only. Those contributions are collected through a number of fundraising campaigns including the annual ASHA Dues Invoice campaign.

Why should I give to ASHA-PAC?

• Strength in numbers

  One person can contribute up to $2,400 to a political candidate per election. A PAC, representing a number of individuals, can contribute up to $5,000 per candidate per election. ASHA-PAC represents ASHA members coming together as one.
  
  

• Support for your association

  Contributing to ASHA-PAC shows your support for your professional association and the advocacy efforts of ASHA members and staff.
  
  

• Support your profession

  ASHA-PAC works on behalf of both audiologists and speech-language pathologists.  By contributing to ASHA-PAC, you support your colleagues in the field and the clients you serve.

Who receives contributions from ASHA-PAC?

ASHA-PAC contributes to Congressional candidates who support the work of audiologists; speech-language pathologists and speech-language and hearing researchers. The PAC supports incumbents, challengers and those running in open-seat Congressional races.