Washington Education Association Political Action Committee (WEA-PAC)(1)

Summary and Resolution

Morgan’s complaint highlighted multiple instances from 2018 to 2023 where WEA-PAC did not include adequate descriptions of in-kind contributions received from Washington Education Association. In addition to monetary contributions from WEA members, WEA-PAC receives significant in-kind contributions from WEA that sustains its operation. No evidence was found that WEA-PAC reported in bad faith or intentionally provided inadequate descriptions of the in-kind contributions it received from WEA. WEA-PAC worked cooperatively with PDC staff to understand the level of detail being requested by staff. WEA-PAC then filed amended reports as instructed by staff for 2024 and 2025 and agreed to continue filing with the same level of detail, even if not explicitly required by statute or rule.

 WEA-PAC has completed a Statement of Understanding (SOU), without a civil penalty, in accordance with WAC 390-37-143 (Brief Enforcement Penalty Schedule), acknowledging violations of RCW 42.17A.235 and .240 and WAC 390-16-037 for not adequately reporting descriptions of in-kind contributions received beginning April 1, 2021. The SOU resolves the allegations made by Morgan in this case, and based on this information, the PDC has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 29B.60.020. Staff expects WEA-PAC to provide compliant in-kind contribution descriptions in the future.

 Edwards’ complaint concerned one C-3 report disclosing $2,200, filed six days late and one C-4 report filed one day late. The alleged failure to disclose the number of items purchased for a purchase of umbrellas did not involve political advertising and therefore, does not appear to be reportable. In this instance, filing one C-3 report six days late and one C-4 report one day late does not amount to a finding of a violation that warrants further investigation.