FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BAPAC
What is BAPAC?
The acronym "BAPAC" stands for the "Builders' Association Political Action Committee"
which is a bipartisan, multi-candidate "state and local" political action committee
affiliated with the Builders' Association and the Kansas City Chapter, AGC. BAPAC is
funded by voluntary donations from the members of the Builders' Association and AGC.
Both personal and corporate contributions, in any amount, may be made to BAPAC.
Who administers BAPAC?
The Builders’ Association PAC Committee administers BAPAC. The Committee is made
up of Builders' and AGC members appointed by the Chairman of the Board according to
the by-laws of the Association. Members of the PAC Committee plan for election-year
activities, accept members' suggestions regarding worthy candidates, select candidates
to receive contributions, and oversee compliance with legal requirements. The
Association staff assists the Committee with these responsibilities.
Why should you be concerned about state and local governments?
Your company is often directly affected by legislative and administrative decisions made
by state and local officials. Government policy impacts not only contractors, but also
suppliers and other businesses providing services to the construction industry. One only
has to review the Association's Legislative Bulletins to see the wide array of bills which
directly affect your business, either positively or negatively. We work to see that positive
legislation is passed and harmful legislation doesn’t become law.
Why should you contribute to BAPAC when you could contribute to candidates
directly?
For one thing, there is strength in numbers. Members of the Association can make
contributions to a significant number of candidates by pooling their money through
BAPAC. Also, contributions from BAPAC are directly identifiable with the Builders'
Association and AGC and with our legislative staff members who monitor legislation in
Jefferson City and Topeka on a daily basis and testify before legislative committees on
your behalf.
Is it necessary that the Association have a PAC of its own?
It definitely is necessary to have a PAC. As long as PACs are a political reality, we
need one too. Many times organizations can work together on mutually beneficial
legislation. Having a PAC makes the Builders' and AGC full partners in such coalitions.
However, there are also instances when the interests of the Association conflict with
those of other organizations. In order to compete legislatively with other organizations,
which have PACs, the Association needs a political action committee of its own.
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Who does BAPAC support and why?
The PAC Committee contributes BAPAC funds to qualified candidates from both major
parties. After review of all the candidates' qualifications, your Association PAC supports
those individuals who are most knowledgeable and sensitive to the needs of the
construction industry regardless of party affiliation. Past voting records help the
Committee select candidates with positive positions on construction issues. Candidates
are also supported because they are in a position to play key roles in future legislation.
Contributions from BAPAC have two purposes:

To financially support the election of candidates who have an interest in the wellbeing of the building construction industry; and

To facilitate the access of the Association's representatives to key legislative
leaders.
Have BAPAC contributions gone to candidates who are in a position to help?
Members’ voluntary contributions to BAPAC have historically been put to extremely
good use. During the period between 1980 and 2006, 90 percent of BAPAC's
contributions were made to Missouri and Kansas candidates who were subsequently
elected to state or local office.
Does a BAPAC contribution assure a legislator's vote?
No, and it shouldn't. Certainly the modest contributions made by the Builders'
Association PAC do not unduly influence anyone. However, elected officials will be
more likely to recognize the Association and its representatives and allow us to explain
our position on the issues at hand before deciding how to vote.
Will the Association be effective on future issues of importance?
Yes, it will. The Association has lobbied successfully on state and local legislative
issues over the years with a relatively modest PAC budget. With increased financial
support from members like you the Association can be even more effective in the future.
Your financial support is essential to the continued success of the Association's
legislative efforts. You are strongly encouraged to support your business and your
industry with a financial donation to BAPAC on an annual basis. Please make it a part
of your business plan.