02/23/2011

It's that time of Year!

A message from Terry Reardon, OFDA President

The Ohio Funeral Directors Association Political Action Committee (OFDA PAC) is conducting its 2011 Annual Fundraising Drive.  OFDA PAC is a key component of OFDA’s state legislative lobbying efforts.  One of the misconceptions about OFDA PAC is that members’ dues go towards funding the PAC.  This is not accurate.  OFDA PAC can only be successful if members make personal or non-corporate contributions directly to the PAC.   

I am pleased to report that during the 2009-2010 election cycle OFDA PAC contributed over $40,000 to candidates for the Ohio House and Senate. And 94% of our contributions were given to candidates who were elected in the November 2010 General Election. 

OFDA NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT OF OUR AGGRESSIVE
2011-2012 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

OFDA has developed an aggressive 2011-2012 legislative agenda that includes the following issues:

• Legislation to require life insurance companies to provide funeral homes information concerning the existence of a life insurance policy, any beneficiaries of record, any loans outstanding and the amount of benefits payable.
• Provide our continued support of H.B. 3 which would repeal Ohio’s estate tax which is the most onerous estate tax in the country. (H.B. 3 has already passed out of the House Ways & Means Committee.)
• Consider and possibly introduce legislation to (1) authorize the use of purple lights as part of a funeral procession to increase safety, and (2) to reduce the cost of renewing a lapsed funeral director’s license.
• To continue to work with the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors and the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review to update the rules governing the funeral industry.
• The state budget that is now being prepared by Governor Kasich needs to plug an approximate $10 billion projected budget deficit. OFDA will work to mitigate any negative impacts on the funeral industry.

OFDA PAC NEEDS YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT NOW

After meeting the campaign contribution demands of last November’s general election OFDA PAC funds are almost depleted, so we need your help now to support our 2011 legislative agenda.

Contribution options are listed on this downloadable form.  Your donation is greatly appreciated and will be utilized with the utmost care and concern for the future of funeral service in Ohio. 

While OFDA PAC appreciates any contribution, we would like you to consider making a monthly contribution through pre-authorizing a monthly deduction from your personal credit card.  This will allow OFDA PAC to continue to be in a healthy financial condition month-after-month and year-after-year.  This downloadable fillable and faxable form includes a space to include your credit card information.

However, if you choose to make a lump sum annual contribution, please do so by personal check or personal credit card (Visa, Master Card, or American Express). Partnerships and LLC contributions are also permissible. Remember, Ohio law prohibits OFDA PAC from accepting corporate checks or corporate credit cards.  If you have any questions, please call OFDA at (800) 589-6332 or (614) 486-5339.  I thank you in advance for your continued support of OFDA PAC. 

Download the donation form here: OFDA PAC Fillable and Faxable Contribution Form