January 11, 2024 — In 2023, PEF contributions to COPE – the Committee on Political Education, a political action fund administered by PEF’s parent unions, SEIU and AFT — increased by 21% over 2022, and the number of contributors rose almost 11% from 2,401 to 2,658.
“This is a significant accomplishment,” said PEF President Wayne Spence. “Despite how far the labor movement has come, even in 2024 Social Security is under attack, Medicare is under attack, and your right to be a union leader is under attack. These fights need to happen at the federal level.”
Since PEF is a state union, COPE is the only way funds are allocated for lobbying and other political efforts on the federal level. Union dues cannot be used for federal elections, but members and retirees may contribute to COPE via voluntary payroll or pension deductions.
Federal funds are vital to the work of multiple agencies, such as the Department of Labor, which is comprised of almost 100% federally funded positions; Medicaid services at the Office of Mental Health, the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Health, SUNY hospitals, to name some; and the Department of Transportation, which is supported by federal infrastructure.
“It is critically important for all members to support our ability to make a difference at the federal level,” said PEF Vice President Randi DiAntonio, who chairs the PEF Statewide Political Action Committee. “Contributing to COPE is part of being an active union member. Our strength is always in our numbers and the more COPE contributors we bring to the table, the greater our voice.”
“Together 50,000 members, alongside 20,000 retirees, can make a difference,” said PEF COPE Coordinator Don Morgenstern, who travels the state talking to members about the importance of COPE. “We don’t ask for much, $5 per pay period, just what amounts to a cup of coffee a week. Let’s see if we can make 2024 our best COPE year yet!”
For more information about COPE or to invite Don to talk to your region or division, email COPE@pef.org or visit the COPE page online.