Political Fundraising

Give money to save money

Government regulations mandating certain development or construction standards, direct government fees and government policies regulating small businesses and taxes all add to your bottom line. They also add to the costs of housing and doing business. How can you help stop this?

The old adage of "you can't fight City Hall" simply isn't accurate. Our democracy gives every citizen a voice, and VHBA amplifies each member's by joining it with the rest of the membership's to send clear messages about the needs of the housing industry and small businesses.

However, a different adage, "money talks", is very accurate. While VHBA's housing advocacy efforts (and those of the Wisconsin Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders) speak to law makers about issues directly affecting you and your business, those words fall on deaf ears if the wrong people are in office.

To make sure the voices of housing and small business are heard, government offices need to be held by those that recognize and understand the critical roles housing and small businesses play in our communities. Candidates who hold those views must be successful in their elections to enable home builders and all others in the industry have a secure place in the political process. Without participation from members, decisions affecting their companies' futures will be influenced by other industries and activist groups, many of whom represent interests directly opposed to those of the members.

While a monetary contribution of any kind may seem too costly to many at this time, none is as costly as unfavorable changes to laws or regulations could be to member businesses. There is no level of support that is too small or too large. Whatever donation a member chooses to make is better than no donation at all.

VHBA, together with the Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), offers members Building a Better Wisconsin, Builders Direct Fund and BUILD-PAC to support members in helping their voices to be heard in local, county, state and national political issues that affect the housing industry.

Building a Better Wisconsin is a statewide political action committee (PAC). The committee raises money across Wisconsin, and candidates who receive funds are selected by representatives from the local builders associations throughout the state, including VHBA.

The members only conduit fund, the Builders Direct Fund, gives members the opportunity to determine which local, county and/or state candidates they want to benefit from their contributions. If a member already gives to candidates, the Builders Direct Fund allows the member to continue that giving while adding the strength of the association to it. (Minimum contribution to this fund is $100.)

BUILD-PAC is the housing industry's national political action committee. The committee raises money across the country, and candidates for federal office who receive funds are selected by representatives of state builders associations, including WBA.

Contributions to Building a Better Wisconsin and Builders Direct Fund go to state, county and local candidates, and contributions to BUILD-PAC go to federal candidates who support:
• Reduced government regulations
• Lower taxes
• Sound environmental policies
• Improved housing affordability and homeownership opportunities
• Small business issues

These political action funds are means to establish workable partnerships with candidates and officeholders. Collectively, these dollars help protect against costly and damaging laws and regulations, saving contributors money in the big picture.

VHBA recognizes direct contributions to Building a Better Wisconsin and Builders Direct Fund with signage at selected meetings and on vhba.com according to the following levels:

Above & Beyond ($500+ annually)
Above & Beyond is made up of a small, but prestigious group that forms the nucleus of statewide political giving. By their commitment to the industry, Above & Beyond members are primary catalysts behind VHBA's and WBA's political clout.

Dollar-A-Day Club ($365 annually)
By committing one dollar a day, these members know that every day they are making a difference in the building industry.

Ten-A-Month Club ($120 annually)
This level is highly encouraged for all who believe strongly that government plays a role in the building industry, allowing VHBA to play a role in government.

Dollar-A-Week Club ($52 annually)
Week-by-week, these successful and politically active business men and women are sending a message of support for the housing industry.

Contributor (less than $52 annually)
Any contribution makes a difference for the housing industry and is appreciated.

VHBA and NAHB recognize direct contributions to BUILD-PAC with signage at selected meetings, lapel pins and on vhba.com according to the following levels:

Capitol Club -- $5,000/year

Platinum Club -- $2,500/year

Gold Key Club -- $1,000/year

Century Club -- $100/year

To learn more about VHBA's supported political action funds or to make a contribution, please contact christine@vhba.com.

Contributions to any of the political action funds are completely voluntary. Contributions must come from individuals, not corporations, and are not tax deductible.