What
is Humane USA-Massachusetts?
Humane USA-Massachusetts is a political action committee
(PAC) formed to be part of the nonpartisan political arm of
the animal protection movement in Massachusetts. We support Democrats, Republicans,
and Independents based on a single criterion: their support
for animal protection. We raise money from concerned citizens
in Massachusetts to donate to various campaigns at the state,
and sometimes national (with Humane USA) or local level.
We also organize people to work on the campaigns of humane-minded
candidates.
Why
and when was Humane USA-Massachusetts created?
Humane USA-Massachusetts was started in 1997, after the 1996
ballot question to restrict cruel traps was passed. Part of
the initial work of the PAC was to elect humane legislators
to unsure this new law was not repealed. The PAC also has
lobbied in several campaigns for Massachusetts’ Governor,
since the Governor appoints the members to the state’s
Fisheries and Wildlife Board. Changing this board so that
it isn’t comprised of a majority of sportspeople was
also part of Question 1.
What
is Humane USA? Are you related?
We work frequently work with Humane USA, the national political
arm of the animal protection movement - www.humaneusa.org
- to ensure the election of humane candidates. Humane USA-Massachusetts
focuses more specifically on state-wide elections, while Humane
USA focuses on national elections. Our organizations are technically
separate organizations.
Why
have political action committees been created to focus on
animal protection?
Despite the existence of hundreds, even thousands, of local,
state, and national organizations, until a few years ago not a
single national or state organization was constituted to help
elect humane-minded candidates to office. Money raised for
animal protection was devoted to educating the public about
animal issues, investigating animal cruelty, intervening in
these cases, and providing shelter, food, and other forms
of care for animals in need. Most of these efforts were organized
by nonprofit charitable organizations. By law, these organizations
are not allowed to directly influence the outcome of elections.
Thus, the animal protection movement was at a disadvantage
without political action committees to support candidates
for office.
How
does Humane USA-Massachusetts obtain money to donate to candidates?
We raise money through direct mail, our website (Donate
Now), person-to-person solicitation, and fundraisers.
What's
the difference between lobbying and electioneering?
Lobbying entails persuading elected officials to support a
specific position on legislation. Electioneering involves
endorsing a specific candidate, donating money to his or her
campaign, holding a fundraiser for a candidate, or otherwise
attempting to influence the outcome of an election. Nonprofit
groups can and should lobby (although there are limits to
the amount of time and money that can be devoted to lobbying
under Internal Revenue Service rules). However, nonprofit
groups cannot electioneer without breaking the law. If they
do, they jeopardize their tax-exempt status.
Are
donations to Humane USA-Massachuetts tax deductible?
No. Although Humane USA-Massachusetts is a non-profit organization,
it is not a tax-deductible charitable organization. Humane
USA-Massachusetts is a political action committee, registered
with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
How
does Humane USA-Massachusetts decide which candidates to support?
For candidates holding office and seeking re-election, we
examine their voting records, what legislation they have sponsored
or co-sponsored, their response to unfriendly legislation,
and other actions in support or opposition to issues of great
importance to animals.
How
does Humane USA-Massachusetts evaluate candidates who have
never held office before?
We ask candidates to fill out questionnaires explaining their
positions on issues of importance to us. A sample questionnaire from a past election will be on this site soon. We also rely
on our supporters to inform us of individuals running for
office who are strong advocates on animal issues. In some instances, candidates
seek us out.
What
does Humane USA-Massachusetts do when a candidate is excellent
in some areas of animal protection but not in others?
Sometimes we have to make a difficult decision, such as endorsing
a candidate who is a great friend of wild animals but not
necessarily as helpful with companion animals, or vice versa.
Other times, we may choose to support an elected official
who is the chairman of an important committee, who could take
the lead on passing important pro-animal bills, even if the
official does not support our entire agenda.
Some
opposing political action committees are so large and well-funded, how can Humane USA-Massachusetts compete with them
to win the support of candidates?
Politicians don't make decisions based entirely on who supports
them financially. They understand that the humane community
has historically spent its money on direct assistance to animals
and not electioneering activities. Nevertheless, they do note
and greatly appreciate when we put time and money into helping
them win office.
I
support my local animal shelter and donate money to a national
humane/animal protection organization. Should I also donate
to Humane USA-Massachusetts?
Yes. It is important that you support these other organizations,
but their hands are tied when it comes to political activity.
According to a l999 poll by Hart Research, 75% of Americans
wish to ban leghold traps, 80% oppose confining animals in
factory farms, and 77% oppose inflicting pain and distress
on animals in laboratories. While animal protection is supported
by a majority of the public, efforts must be expanded to recruit
and elect humane-minded politicians who will champion pro-animal
legislation. Such efforts can be realized by supporting and
donating to Humane USA-Massachusetts. In order to better protect
animals, we need to have humane legislators in office, or
we will not succeed in improving the body of law to protect
animals.
Where
do I send money?
Send a check payable to:
Humane
USA-Massachusetts
11 Lantern Lane, Arlington, MA 02474
Or do it conveniently through our Paypal
Donation option.
I
can't donate right now. How else can I help elect pro-animal
candidates?
Join our email list. Write letters to state
candidates asking their position on important animal issues.
Volunteer for the campaigns of animal friendly candidates
and recruit others to do the same. Let the candidates know
you are being supportive because of their pro-animal positions
and actions. Find people willing to donate to the candidates
and ask them to contact Humane USA-Massachusetts. Together
these funds can make a significant contribution to a candidate.
Contact us for information on holding a workshop on how to
be politically active. Help us keep you updated by providing
us with your e-mail address, or simply e-mail your address
to: info@humanemass.org.
