What is ACRE?
The Action Committee for Rural Electrification (ACRE) is a Political Action Committee (PAC). ACRE is the more than 30,000 member PAC of NRECA.

What makes ACRE different from other PACs?
ACRE funds are personal contributions from local co-op managers, directors, employees and members of electric co-ops. ACRE is truly grassroots, made up of activists who understand that political involvement is a needed ingredient for success in the political arena.

Where does my contribution go?
ACRE supports congressional candidates, regardless of party, who share public policy goals that are consistent with the mission of electric cooperatives. Also, half of the contributions to ACRE are returned to the statewide associations for use in state elections. ACRE does not contribute to presidential campaigns.

Specifically, how does ACRE help electric co-ops?
Different issues arise all the time, and here’s a few:

• Pension reform - In Feb. 2005, the Bush Administration presented a pension reform proposal in reaction to some bankrupt corporations walking away from their defined-benefit (DB) pension plans and turning those liabilities over to the government. NRECA is concerned that without the right kind of legislation, the net result across the country will be fewer DB plans, and lower benefits to employees and retirees.
• RUS Financing - The small federal investment in the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) electric loan programs over the years, coupled with strong management by co-ops, keep the electric co-op infrastructure strong and viable today. NRECA wants Congress to ensure that its consumers continue to have access to safe, reliable, and at-cost supplies of power from electric co-op utilities by fully funding the RUS loan program.
• Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant Program (REDLG) - Presently only one federal program seeks out electric co-ops as vehicles for local economic development, the USDA Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program (REDLG). NRECA supports the REDLG program as it is the primary and most critical rural economic development financing tool for electric cooperatives.

What do I receive for my contribution?
As a member, you receive a handsome lapel pin and periodic issues of the ACRE Action Newsletter. In addition, you will feel a sense of pride knowing that you, as an individual, is banding together with other like-minded members to protect and preserve electric cooperatives in the political process.

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Contributions to ACRE are for political purposes.  All contributions to ACRE Co-op Owners for Political Action are voluntary.  You may refuse to contribute without reprisal.  Contributions to ACRE are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes.  A copy of our monthly report is filed with the Federal Election Commission and is available to the public at www.fec.gov.