Political Accountability
Statement of Eaton’s philosophy on political spending
Eaton does not provide corporate resources to political candidates or parties. Our Code of Ethics specifically states: “We do not make contributions on behalf of Eaton to political candidates or parties, even where lawful.”
We do operate a federal political action committee and use our employee contributions to support candidates we feel can help advance a business community agenda.
Eaton does support issue campaigns that have an impact on the communities in which we live and work.
Eaton does support lobbying initiatives in alignment with issues of importance to the company through personal contact by employees, contact by lobbyists under contract to Eaton, and by trade associations of which Eaton is a member.
Statement of the oversight role played by the Governance Committee
The Governance Committee of Eaton’s Board of Directors meets annually with the Senior Vice President of Public and Community Affairs. At that meeting the Committee reviews:
Description of federal and state expenditures for lobbying activities
Eaton’s lobbying activities are undertaken at all levels of government by:
Trade Association payments in excess of $50,000
Direct political expenditures in 2012
Support for the passage of Issue 15 in Cuyahoga County Ohio. This was a levy supporting the health and human services needs of the county.
Support for the passage of Issue 107 in the City of Cleveland in support of a levy supporting the Cleveland Municipal School District.
Support for the passage of Issue 108 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. This was a levy supporting the operation of the Port of Cleveland.
Eaton does not provide corporate resources to political candidates or parties. Our Code of Ethics specifically states: “We do not make contributions on behalf of Eaton to political candidates or parties, even where lawful.”
We do operate a federal political action committee and use our employee contributions to support candidates we feel can help advance a business community agenda.
Eaton does support issue campaigns that have an impact on the communities in which we live and work.
Eaton does support lobbying initiatives in alignment with issues of importance to the company through personal contact by employees, contact by lobbyists under contract to Eaton, and by trade associations of which Eaton is a member.
Statement of the oversight role played by the Governance Committee
The Governance Committee of Eaton’s Board of Directors meets annually with the Senior Vice President of Public and Community Affairs. At that meeting the Committee reviews:
- Eaton’s political contributions
- Eaton’s public affairs priorities
- Eaton’s lobbying expenditures
Description of federal and state expenditures for lobbying activities
Eaton’s lobbying activities are undertaken at all levels of government by:
- Eaton employees, some of whom are registered lobbyists and some of whom have technical expertise in the issue area being discussed.
- Professional lobbying firms being paid to lobby particular issues on behalf of Eaton.
- Trade associations where Eaton is a member and where the position of the association aligns with the position of Eaton.
Trade Association payments in excess of $50,000
- National Association of Manufacturers
- Business Roundtable
- National Electrical Manufacturers Assn.
- Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Assn.
- Aerospace Industries Association
Direct political expenditures in 2012
Support for the passage of Issue 15 in Cuyahoga County Ohio. This was a levy supporting the health and human services needs of the county.
Support for the passage of Issue 107 in the City of Cleveland in support of a levy supporting the Cleveland Municipal School District.
Support for the passage of Issue 108 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. This was a levy supporting the operation of the Port of Cleveland.