I authorize my employer to deduct from my wages the following sum per month as a voluntary contribution to the SPFE AFT/COPE Fund:
AFT/COPE collects voluntary contributions from members and uses those contributions for political purposes, including, but not limited to, making contributions to and expenditures on behalf of friends of public education who are candidates for federal office. Only U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents may contribute to AFT/COPE. Contributions to AFT/COPE are voluntary; making a contribution is neither a condition of employment nor membership in the Association, and members have the right to refuse to contribute without suffering any reprisal. A member may contribute more or less than the suggested amount, or may contribute nothing at all, without it affecting his or her membership status, rights or benefits in AFT or any of its affiliates. Contributions or gifts to AFT/COPE are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and name of employer for each individual whose contribution is aggregate in excess of $200 in a calendar year. This voluntary authorization may be revoked at any time by notifying the Saint Paul Federation of Educators in writing of the desire to do so. Federal law prohibits AFT/COPE from receiving donations from persons other than members of AFT and its affiliates, and their immediate families. All donations from persons other than members of AFT and its affiliates, and their immediate families, will be returned forthwith.
