Frequently Asked Questions

What is CHSPAC?

CHSPAC is the political action committee of CHS and supports the election of candidates for office (Republicans, Democrats and Independents) who have demonstrated an appreciation for policy issues that matter to our owners by receiving the voluntary contributions of cooperative members and employees and disbursing contributions to candidates. Learn more about PACs and how they are regulated here.

Why should you support CHSPAC?

The CHS purpose is creating connections that empower Agriculture. By joining together with other CHS owners and employees as a member of the CHSPAC, you are taking a step to have your voice heard. In fact, connecting with other CHSPAC members means your voice will be amplified in the offices of Members of Congress representing many parts of the United States.

Contributing to CHSPAC is one of the most effective ways to promote the election of candidates for office (Republicans, Democrats and Independents) who have demonstrated an appreciation for policy issues that matter to our owners, our industry, and rural America. Those issues include potentially damaging regulations and laws that mandate actions by producers, rather than provide them with incentives to continue being good stewards of their land. Simply put, your decision and your colleagues’ decisions to contribute or not contribute will impact the success of CHS and our cooperative system. Every CHSPAC contribution to a candidate opens the door to a conversation about issues of importance to CHS, to an opportunity to educate members of Congress about our efforts to grow value for you. When legislators are informed about issues important to CHS and our owners, they are much more likely to support our agenda and help us ensure a rich future for our company, our owners and our communities.

What does CHSPAC do with your contribution?

Every contribution CHSPAC receives is used to support candidates who help us further our owners’ and company’s interests. Our Government Affairs team researches candidates’ backgrounds and legislative histories. We then support candidates from both parties, as well as independents, who have voting records or announced positions on issues important to CHS and our owners. We also support candidates who have demonstrated leadership on key committees of importance to our business at the state level.

What criteria does the CHSPAC consider when evaluating a request?

Every contribution we receive is used to support candidates who help us further our interests. Our government affairs team researches candidates’ backgrounds and legislative histories. The CHSPAC Advisory Committee then supports recommended candidates from both parties who have voting records or announced positions on issues important to our owners. We also support candidates who have demonstrated leadership on key committees of importance to our business. We look for candidates to support in states and districts where we have large numbers of employees, owners and facilities. We listen to our contributors and support those candidates that our contributors ask us to support if they fit within our guidelines. We make sure the candidates we are supporting have excellent ratings from other business related organizations. The full list of CHSPAC criteria for candidate support is available here.

Does CHSPAC support just one political party?

No, CHSPAC is non-partisan. We support candidates from both parties, as well as independents.

Does CHSPAC give to state candidates?

The CHSPAC primarily supports federal candidates, but will consider supporting state candidates when allowed by state law.

Can members of CHSPAC recommend candidates?

Yes, CHSPAC members are encouraged to be engaged and can recommend a candidate to the advisory committee to be considered.

How much can CHSPAC contribute to candidates?

Federal election law limits PAC contributions to $5,000 per candidate per election (primary and general elections are considered to be two separate elections).

Is CHSPAC a Super PAC?

No, CHSPAC is not a Super PAC, it is a connected PAC. Despite decades of campaign finance reform beginning in the early 1970s, a traditional connected PAC, like CHSPAC remains the only vehicle a company may use to fund a candidate’s campaign. Connected PACs are also the most transparent and regulated way for any organization to participate in the political process. Connected PACs can directly contribute to a candidate’s campaign, with the primary goal of electing candidates who understand their business and industries, whereas super PACs may not. While super PACs will continue to grow and play a bigger role in the election process, contributions to connected PACs will help companies advance their government affairs objectives by supporting candidates who have similar views on many of the complex and challenging issues they face.

Is my contribution tax deductible?

No, contributions to CHSPAC are not tax deductible.

How much should I contribute?

The amount you choose to contribute is voluntary. We have recommended giving levels on the website. Individuals are permitted by federal election law to give up to $5,000 per year. For local co-op managers and directors: federal election law forbids campaign contributions from corporations. Please contribute by personal check. For family farm corporations: if your farm account is a corporation, please contribute by personal check. For CHS employees, payroll deduction is an easy and convenient way to give.