During 2016, the last year that I represented the Associated Gun Clubs of Baltimore (AGC) (a 501(c)(4) corporation), my annual budget was $10,200. Spending did not exceed the budget, and no compensation was paid to anyone. AGC is no longer active in the legislative arena.
By comparison, in 2013 Marylanders Against Gun Violence (MPGV), a 504(c)(4), reported income in the amount of $134,535, and $121,125 in expenses. Twelve thousand dollars was paid in compensation to MPGV's President.
In the same year MPGV's Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) reported income in the amount of $68,183, and $65,906 in expenses. Two thousand two hundred and fifty dollars was paid in compensation to MPGV Education Fund's President.
The "GiffordsPAC" sends out daily requests for funding. They only ask for $3 but even $3 times thousands of donors mounts up to an enormous fund to political action. Last year was the first time in history that the anti-gun organizations raised and spent more than the pro-2nd Amendment organizations. With funding like this, is it any wonder that our opponents are being so aggressive with their agenda?
The gun control groups are well funded, cohesive and organized. We need to be better. We cannot match their funding, but we can match and exceed their efforts and commitment.
