Joint Commission on Public Ethics releases mid-year lobbying data
ALBANY - The Joint Commission on Public Ethics released lobbying data for the first half of 2013 showing that approximately $105 million was reported spent to influence government decision making during the period. The figure was the least amount recorded in the last five years.
While total compensation paid to professional lobbyists remained consistent with prior years, the amount spent on advertising was significantly lower.
Top spenders on lobbying activity for the period included Altria and retailer coalitions, as well as teachers’ unions, Major League Soccer and health care associations. The new Friends of Democracy (New York) and gaming company Genting New York were also among the top 10.
The figures come from data submitted to the Joint Commission by lobbyists, their clients and public corporations covering lobbying activities from January 1 through June 30. Registered lobbyists and public corporations are required to file bi-monthly reports of their lobbying activities for each client, including compensation and reimbursed expenses received during each period. Clients are required to file twice each year detailing their lobbying expenditures, including the amount spent on advertising.
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