What is NYSOTPAC?
The New York State Occupational Therapy Political Action Committee (NYSOTPAC) is a voluntary, non-profit, unincorporated committee of members of NYSOTA. NYSOTA created NYSOTPAC expressly to raise funds to further the legislative aims of the Association by influencing or attempting to influence the election or re-election of selected individuals seeking public office in New York State. The committee is not affiliated with any political party.

Why does NYSOTA need a PAC?
New York State law prohibits the use of NYSOTA membership monies to support legislators or their political campaigns. The NYSOTPAC is the only way to ensure that responsible and dedicated legislators who understand and support the occupational therapy profession remain in, or are elected to, public office.

Only through an engaged and active PAC can NYSOTA retain a clear, loud voice in Albany.

What are some of the legal aspects of a PAC?
To ensure that PAC money is well protected and properly spent, many detailed reports are required by the Federal Election Commission from both NYSOTPAC and the candidates it supports. Both parties must account for the sources of their funds and the purposes for which these funds are spent.

What criteria determines which candidates are supported?
Among the criteria used to determine which candidates to support, NYSOTPAC considers the following factors:

• Is the candidate sympathetic to the goals of the occupational therapy profession?
• Has the candidate supported specific proposals or policies advanced by the profession? 
• What relevant committees and/or subcommittees is the candidate involved in?

NYSOTPAC makes financial contributions to candidates for State or Federal office regardless of party affiliation.

Donate to NYSOTPAC. You can donate in one of the following ways:

• Click the following link to donate online: Donate to PAC
• Call NYSOTA at (518) 301-9187 to make a contribution over the phone.
• Mail your contribution to: NYSOTPAC c/o NYSOTA, PO Box 533, Chester, NY 10918

Contributions to NYSOTPAC are not tax-deductible.
NYS Board of Elections requires us to collect names and addresses for contributors whose donations within a calendar year exceed $99.

Join NYSOTPAC as a Committee Member.
The NYSOTPAC needs your help to build a dynamic committee. Please consider joining!  This committee of volunteers collaborates with NYSOTA to monitor legislation, to identify key legislators, and to donate to political campaigns. During face-to-face encounters at local fundraisers throughout the year, OT/OTA constituents educate legislators about the profession and its value to consumers.

Duties would consist of remote participation in 90-minute meetings every six to eight weeks, with on-going collaboration as needed via email. Members of the committee would attend local fundraisers as needed, and assist with raising awareness and member donations at the NYSOTA conference.

To volunteer, contact our NYSOTPAC Chairperson David Crandall via email at nysotpac@gmail.com. Hope to hear from you soon!

Information on this page was adapted from the information on the AOTPAC web page at www.aota.org