2014 is a transformative year for BFA PAC

2014 was a transformative year for Buckeye Firearms Association (BFA) and BFA PAC. We incorporated BFA and the PAC returned to a corporate-sponsored PAC. This will move most of the day-to-day expenses under a corporate umbrella, and transition the PAC to focus on political issues.

With the restructuring, both BFA and BFA PAC will be better able to focus on their core missions. BFA has considerably more expenses, but with members and other sources of income, that is going well. The PAC is still needed to make political contributions, which were almost $10,000 last year.

BFA PAC ended the year with almost $24,000 in cash, $5,000 in a CD, and one outstanding loan for $15,000 that is owed to it. The loan is to BFA for start up costs and will start to be repaid during 2015.

The PAC is in a strong position, but obviously will need significant income to continue to make similar (and hopefully larger) contributions going forward. This is critical to a PAC’s influence.

Going forward we expect a decline in overall income and expenses for the PAC. The smaller donations will hopefully allow for steady political donations. We are working on finding an appropriate event that can serve as a good fundraiser for the PAC.

For the year ending 2014, there were 925 donations, averaging $31.60 and totaling $29,243. Over $20,000 of the income was from a Dave Grossman event.

Below is a breakdown of income and expenses. Numbers are rounded.

Income:

$20,232 – Lt. Col. Dave Grossman event

$1,768 – 346 donations of less than $10

$2,700 - 270 donations of $10

$1763 – 77 donations of $11 to $25

$953 – 19 donations for $26 to $99

$1,827 – 12 donations for $100 or more

Total income = $29,243

Expenses:

$8,950 Grossman related expenses

$9,750 Political donations

$3,560 Iowa campaign expenses (control of the U.S. Senate)

$3,290 Print voter guides

$2,786 Survey and marketing services

$623 Business cards and office supplies

$523 Propay

$331 Paypal

$488 Parking and admission and expenses for volunteers at the state fair

$437 Postage

$78 Parking fees

$67 Bank fees

$285 Other

Total expenses $32,000

We thank all those who have supported BFA PAC over the years. That support has enabled us to influence elections, which has allowed us to improve the legislature, which has passed legislation that improves our lives.

On March 23, 2015 HB 234 will take effect, with many changes beneficial to gun owners. As you enjoy those restored freedoms, remember that you bought those improvements with your sweat equity and donations over the years. Your continued support will enable us to continue improving our laws, in Ohio and across the country.

Jim Irvine is the Buckeye Firearms Association President, BFA PAC Chairman and recipient of the NRA-ILA's 2011 "Jay M. Littlefield Volunteer of the Year Award" and the CCRKBA's 2012 "Gun Rights Defender of the Year Award."