Political actioN

The Statewide Political Action Committee [SWPAC] is composed of representatives from PEF's 12 Regions and a representative from the PEF Retiree Organization. PEF Vice President Joe Fox is the Chair of the SWPAC. 

The PAC operates under policies approved by the PEF Executive Board and resolutions adopted by convention delegates. The members of the SWPAC Committee are:

• PEF Legislative Agenda

Working closely with the PEF Legislative Department, the Statewide PAC organizes and coordinates political activity on a statewide basis. Each Regional PAC Chair coordinates political activities and programs between the Statewide PAC and the Regional PAC. This structure provides the channels for two-way communication and action between the grassroots membership and the Statewide PAC.

Each year, the SWPAC receives membership input for our Legislative Agenda. With technical assistance from our Legislative staff, the SWPAC puts together a draft of our legislative priorities which is reviewed and approved by our Executive Board and then voted on by the 1,000 convention delegates. Our agenda is then communicated to all state legislators and promoted throughout the legislative session.

• PEF Endorsements

 The Statewide PAC receives recommendations for political endorsements in local, state and national elections from the Regional PACs and then makes final recommendations for endorsement to our PEF Executive Board. The Executive Board makes endorsement decisions in all state and national races, and local races which have statewide significance. PEF endorsements in each region can be obtained from the Regional PAC chair. PEF concentrates most of our political activity on races for statewide offices and state legislature as well as U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

PEF Endorsed Candidates 

NYS Assembly

NYS Senate

Congressional Candidates

Statewide Candidates

Local Endorsements-Election Day November 6th, 2007

• Why Politics Matters to PEF Members?

• PEF Volunteer Form                       

 One way PEF can enhance its political power is by organizing members to volunteer for union endorsed candidates.  A strong volunteer base is an essential component of any successful campaign.  That is why PEF is currently recruiting politically active members who would like to volunteer their time to work on campaigns for local, state, and congressional campaigns as well as the upcoming Presidential election.  Volunteers will be involved with phone banking, literature drops, and rallies. If you are interesting in volunteering, please complete the online PEF Volunteer Form .  

• PEF Political Training

 In conjunction with our Mobilization and Education Department and our International Affiliates (SEIU and AFT), the SWPAC develops programs to train members on various aspects of political action based on training needs. 

• PEF PAL Program

 The Political Action Liaison [PAL] program was established in 1993, pairing a PEF member with each State Senator and Assemblymember. An invigorated  PAL program is key to our legislative success.  PALs communicate PEF's message to legislators on a variety of issues, and relay information back to the SWPAC. If you want to know who the PAL is for your legislator, or if you want to become a PAL, contact your Regional PAC Chair for more information.

PEF PALs, click here to submit a copy of your PAL Form:  PEF PAL Form

• PEF COPE

 The Committee on Political Education [COPE] was established in 1985 in response to a convention resolution. This is a segregated fund for our members and staff to make voluntary contributions for political purposes. It is our only vehicle for making contributions to PEF endorsed candidates in Federal elections, since union dues cannot be used for this purpose. Every PEF member is urged to participate in COPE. Only $1.00 per paycheck from every member would give a large boost to our political clout. Please contact your Regional PAC chair for more information.

PEF COPE Authorization Form (requires Adobe Reader)   Please send completed form to NYS PEF, PO BOX 12414, Albany, NY 12212-2414.  Att: MIS Department.

•                                        Register to Vote!

The following forms are available in Spanish and English:

Voter Registration Form-English (requires Adobe Reader) 

Voter Registration Form-Spanish (requires Adobe Reader) 

Not sure where to send your completed registration form?  Click here for your county board of election's address.  

•    Absentee Ballot Application Form

If you will be away from your county on the day of either a primary or general election, you may submit the following  Absentee Ballot Application Form to your county board of election.   The address for your county board of election may be found by clicking here.  Both documents require Adobe Reader.

• Locate your State or Federal Representatives

Click here for the Board of Elections District Map and Representatives.   

• PEF LEGISLATIVE STAFF

Brian F. Curran, Legislative Director and Counsel

John Murphy, Political Organizer/Lobbyist-Federal

Ryan Delgado, Political Organizer/Lobbyist-State

Musa Moore, Political Organizer/Lobbyist-NYC

Danielle Little-Thomson, Legislative Assistant

PEF Legislative Department
100 State Street, Suite 1070
Albany, NY 12207
1-800-724-4997
518-432-4003
Fax: 518-432-7739

Web Sites of Interest

New York State Senate

New York State Assembly

New York State Assembly Information System

New York State Resources on the Legislature

New York State Government Information Locator Service

United States House of Representatives

United States Senate

United States White House

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