BATC’s Housing First Fund has launched its first Independent Expenditures (IE) of the 2014 election season. The goal is to elect Housing Champions that advance our message of housing choice, affordability for all, regulatory balance, and a smart regulatory structure that protects resources and consumers in the most efficient way possible.
The FAQ’s
What is Housing First?
In 2010 BATC founded the Housing First Fund. Housing First is an Independent Expenditure Political Fund registered with the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board. These funds are often referred to as ‘Super PACs’.
What Does Housing First Do?
Housing First attempts to advance a pro-housing message in Minnesota elections by making Independent Expenditures (IEs) to help to elect Housing Champions to Minnesota elective offices.
What is an Independent Expenditure?
An independent expenditure (IE) is a political campaign communication (digital ad; direct mail piece; billboard) that expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate that is not made in cooperation, consultation or concert with or at the request or suggestion of a candidate, candidate’s authorized committee or a political party.
What Criteria Did BATC & Housing First Use to Determine its Candidates to Support?
The Housing First Advisory Group, with final approval from the BATC Executive Board of Directors, used specific criteria to determine candidates for support. These include: the candidate’s demonstrated support for housing issues, voting record (where applicable), candidate electability, and electoral landscape.
Is Housing First Non-Partisan?
Yes. BATC’s Housing First Fund is focused on pro-housing candidates that support BATC’s platform issues. Our goal is to advance housing issues as a non-partisan policy issues.
Does Housing First Consider Issues Outside of Housing and Business-Related Issues?
No. From its inception, Housing First has always been razor-focused on issues related to housing affordability, regulatory balance, smart government, and related business issues important to home building, remodeling, and associated businesses. Our support for candidates is premised on demonstrated support for those priorities and is not a reflection or endorsement of other non-housing/business regulatory issues.
Further Questions?
For more information, contact James Vagle (651.697.7578) or David Siegel (651.697.7561)
