Family Medicine PAC FAQs
What is a PAC?
The federal government and all state legislatures passed laws in the mid-1970s to curb the influence on elections by a small number of wealthy individuals. The federal and state acts allow for the formation of committees to encourage people with the same interests to organize at the grassroots level to support candidates of their choice. PACs collect contributions from a large number of people and then make contributions from that pool to political campaigns.
Why is the Family Medicine PAC important?
Contributing to the Family Medicine PAC provides more than simply a monetary contribution – it will give family physicians an important opportunity have their voices heard. It provides a message that this group represents the best interests of family physicians and the patients they serve.
Because the Family Medicine PAC can make larger contributions to political campaigns than most family physicians will make on their own, candidates for political office are encouraged to reach out to groups that have a PAC and address their issues. This will allow family physicians greater access to lawmakers.
The Family Medicine PAC demonstrates the MAFP’s commitment to being competitive in the political process and provides credibility to family medicine’s business and practice management issues.
Why should you belong to the Family Medicine PAC?
Family Medicine PAC contributions go directly to support legislators who are informed and committed to family medicine’s business and practice management issues. As a result, family medicine interests are more likely to receive increased attention among the many competing interests and constant stream of proposals put forth for consideration. By belonging to the Family Medicine PAC, you have the opportunity to shape the future of health care issues that affect you, your practice and your patients.
Who can contribute to the Family Medicine PAC?
Membership in and contributions to the Family Medicine PAC is available to any family physician, resident, medical student or any other individual who is supportive of the mission and purposes of the MAFP and the Family Medicine PAC.
What issues are important to the Family Medicine PAC?
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Practice reimbursement reform, which allows primary care physicians to transition to a more comprehensive model focused on the patient and preventive care.
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Investment in the primary care workforce in order to meet the growing healthcare demands of our population.
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Protection for medical reimbursement from larger cuts at the national, state and private insurer level.
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Restructuring Michigan’s Medicaid program to ensure there is care for the most vulnerable citizens, while preserving the role of the physician.
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Advocating for stronger medical malpractice reforms that provide protection for the physician without undermining the patient both in the legislature and the courts.
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Ensuring medical coverage is accessible to all.
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Emphasizing the critical role of primary care in containing growth in health care costs.
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Supporting continued educational outreach on prevention and healthy lifestyle choices, laying the foundation for a healthier Michigan
What expenditures can the Family Medicine PAC make?
New expenditure thresholds went into effect on December 27, 2013. The Family Medicine PAC can contribute to the following campaigns and political candidates in these specific amounts:
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Governor/Lt. Governor/Other statewide officers – $6,800 per election cycle (statewide officers include: Justice of the State Supreme Court, Jude of the State Court of Appeals, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Board of Trustee members for the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University and the State Board of Education members)
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State Senate and Districts with a population up to 85,001 - 250,000 – $2,000 per election cycle
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State House and Districts with a population up to 85,000 – $1,000 per election cycle
For additional information, visit Michigan's Campaign Finance Information Center
Additional Questions?
Please contact MAFP Director of Government Affairs Christin Nohner at 517.664.9082.