Political Contributions
At Johnson & Johnson, we believe that it is important to encourage the development of sound public policy. With good policy, we can better serve doctors, nurses and patients, our employees and our communities.
One aspect of advancing sound public policy is supporting those women and men who serve the public by seeking elected office. We do not expect candidates who receive contributions from our employee political action committee or our Corporation to agree at all times with our positions on policy issues. Rather, we seek to support candidates who recognize the importance of medical innovation in improving lives, while also recognizing that a fair, free market system provides the best atmosphere for continued innovation.
While Federal law prohibits corporations from making political contributions to Federal candidates, companies can establish political action committees that are funded solely through voluntary employee contributions. Since 1972, Johnson & Johnson has provided limited administrative support to our employee political action committee, the Johnson & Johnson Political Action Committee (JJPAC).
JJPAC offers eligible employees a direct means to voluntarily participate in shaping sound public policy and voicing views on issues related to our businesses. The JJPAC operates in accordance with all relevant state and Federal laws. Information about JJPAC is available on the website of the Federal Election Commission at www.fec.gov.
In certain states, corporations are permitted to contribute to state election campaigns. There are also limited instances where corporations can support voter referenda and national party committees. Johnson & Johnson operates in accordance with all relevant state and Federal laws.
In the interest of transparency for our shareholders and other stakeholders, we are making available a list of all political contributions beginning January 1, 2008. This list will be updated and made available via this website annually.
An advisory committee comprised of employees who are JJPAC participants and who represent all of the U.S. domestic operating companies assists the Company's Government Affairs and Policy department in selecting candidates, committees, and referenda to support. As part of its oversight role in government affairs and policy the Public Policy Advisory Committee of the Johnson & Johnson Board of Directors also annually reviews the Company's political contribution policies and practices.
When selecting candidates for funding, priority is given to candidates' views on issues that concern the businesses of Johnson & Johnson and thus its employees and the presence of employees or facilities in a candidate's state or district.
In addition to posting JJPAC and corporate political contributions, beginning in 2008, Johnson & Johnson will make good faith efforts to request from U.S. trade associations that to the best of our knowledge are annually paid $100,000 or more, the portion of the Company's dues that were used for expenditures or contributions that are non-deductible under ยง162(e)(1)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code. Johnson & Johnson will post any responses starting in 2009, covering trade association activity between January 1 and December 31, 2008.
Questions about contributions should be directed to: Treasurer, Johnson & Johnson Political Action Committee, One Johnson & Johnson Plaza, New Brunswick, NJ 08933.
