What are CARE & ACRE?
CARE and ACRE are bipartisan political action committees (PACs) that were created to support legislators and candidates who support the principles of rural electrification.
Colorado Advocates For Rural Electrification (CARE)
CARE is the Colorado PAC, and its funds are:
- Maintained in Denver and administered by Colorado Rural Electric Association (CREA) through the CARE Committee and memberships
- Used primarily for candidates to the Colorado General Assembly (ACRE money cannot be used for state races)
Decisions to support candidates are made by the CARE Committee, which is composed of:
- 1 person from each of CREA’s 5 districts
- 2 employee representatives
- A Tri-State representative
- CREA’s executive director
CARE Eligibility
For more information on the CARE program or eligibility to participate, please contact Tim Coleman, Government Relations Specialist, at (303) 455-2700 or email Tim.
For a list of CARE committee members and districts visit the CREA’s website.
Action Committee for Rural Electrification (ACRE)
The Action Committee for Rural Electrification (ACRE®):
- Is the federal Political Action Committee (PAC) of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).
- Was founded in 1966 by the approximately 1,000 consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives of NRECA
- Supports candidates for the U.S. House and Senate (those in office now and running for office) who will speak for and protect the interests of electric cooperatives and their consumer-owners (members)
ACRE Contributions
ACRE contributions to candidates are backed by over 36,000 eligible members across 47 states with an average contribution of $65, making it truly a grassroots PAC. NRECA has the opportunity to motivate its 42 million consumer-members to be politically active through the ACRE Co-op Owners for Political Action® program.
Federal law prohibits soliciting contributions from individuals other than NRECA and member-systems’ eligible:
- Employees
- Boards of directors
- Consumer-members and the families of such individuals
Contributions from ineligible individuals will be returned.
ACRE Eligibility
For more information on the ACRE program or eligibility to participate:
- Visit the NRECA’s website
- Contact Gabe Snow, ACRE Director, at (703) 907-5799 or email Gabe
CARE/ACRE FAQ’s
Any citizen of the United States can join CARE.
ACRE members must meet at least 1 of these qualifications:
- Directors
- Managers
- Salaried employees
- Salaried attorneys employed by the cooperative
- Consumer-owners (members) of a rural electric system belonging to NRECA
Spouses and the immediate family of eligible individuals are eligible to join ACRE.
The CARE/ACRE membership year runs from January 1 through December 31. If you join anytime between these 2 dates, your membership will be eligible for renewal on January 1.
- CARE and ACRE both raise money through memberships
- CARE raises money through special fundraising activities (Such as the auction held in conjunction with CREA’s fall meeting)
To Become a Member
Those who are automatically members of both ACRE and CARE are the:
- Century
- Vice President
- President
- Leadership Club members
Fill out the entire Membership Donation form (PDF) and submit your donation to the address listed on the form.
Membership Classification & Dues
| Certification | Dues |
|---|---|
| ACRE Regular | $25 |
| CARE Regular | $30 |
| CARE Member Plus Spouse | $40 |
| ACRE and CARE | $55 |
| Century Club Members | $100 |
| Vice President’s Club | $250 |
| President’s Club | $500 |
| Leadership Circle | $1,000 |
Corporate, Political & Membership Contributions
- Federal laws prohibit corporate contribution to CARE/ACRE
- Membership levels are suggestions only (You have the right to refuse to contribute)
- Political contributions are not deductible for federal or state tax purposes
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) administers Action Committee for Rural Electrification (ACRE), a political action committee supporting federal candidates. For more information on ACRE please visit the NRECA’s website.
Legal Disclaimer
ACRE raises personal, voluntary contributions from NRECA’s eligible membership. Federal law prohibits soliciting contributions from individuals other than NRECA and member-systems’ eligible employees, boards of directors, consumer-owners (members), and the families of such individuals. Contributions from ineligible individuals will be returned. For more information on the ACRE program or eligibility to participate, please contact Gabe Snow, ACRE Director, at (703) 907-5799 or email Gabe Snow.
Contributions to the NRECA Action Committee for Rural Electrification® (ACRE®) are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions to ACRE® are voluntary and will be used for political purposes. You have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal. Federal law prohibits contributions from foreign nationals who lack permanent resident status. Any contribution guidelines presented are merely suggestions. You are free to contribute more or less than the suggested amounts, or not at all. NRECA will not favor or disadvantage anyone by reason of the amount contributed or a decision not to contribute.
Source: NRECA and CREA