On March 24, the Latino Committee’s (LC) meeting featured the discussion, Our Voice in Washington: Understanding the DGA PAC and Why It Matters Right Now.
During the dialogue moderated by LC Co-Chair Eli Gonda, DGA Director of Government Affairs Mike Stoever spoke about differences between the Guild’s Political Action Committee (PAC) and his work in the Government Affairs Department.
“They are basically two sides of the same coin,” said Stoever. “The PAC is the unofficial or political arm; the government affairs side more broadly is the official or legislative arm. The PAC political piece, that’s all political giving; contributions to various federal elected officials whereas the government affairs side is issue-area focused.”
Stoever detailed how the DGA PAC is a separate entity from the Guild, funded by voluntary member donations and led by a committee composed of members appointed by the President. The PAC focuses on identifying and supporting federal (and sometimes LA or NY) candidates in support of issues affecting DGA members’ collective work. He noted the government affairs side is a department within the Guild which focuses on developing policy and lobbying for legislation that benefits the landscape of DGA-covered work such as workers’ rights, creative rights, federal and state tax incentives, and more.
The DGA PAC was created in 1996 to support key legislators – around the country and across the political spectrum – who have demonstrated action on our issues, expressed support for our initiatives, or are in a position to influence the outcome of important legislation. As the entertainment industry evolves and new genres and distribution methods develop, the work of the DGA PAC is more essential than ever in supporting the Guild’s mission to protect and enhance the creative and economic rights of our members and strengthen DGA’s activities in Washington and in state capitals.
ABOUT THE COMMITTEE:
The Latino Committee was created as a networking group to advance career and job opportunities for Latino DGA members by improving craft skills, networking, and making Latinos better known to the Hollywood creative community.
