"Lobbyists prosper in down economy; Groups report record $38.5m in fees" by Eric Moskowitz, Globe Staff | July 17, 2008
Industry representatives, unions, and an array of other special-interest groups trying to influence legislation and policy on Beacon Hill spent a record $38.5 million on lobbying in the first six months of the year, according to disclosure reports.
Despite a weaker economy, lobbyists pushing issues from gambling to healthcare reported taking in about 13 percent more during the first half of 2008 than they did in the same period in 2007, when they collected $34 million in fees. Also in the first six months, advocates and clients spent an additional $6.3 million on other expenses related to lobbying, like advertising, public relations, meals, and transportation.
Secretary of State William F. Galvin said in a phone interview yesterday, as his office was compiling the numbers and chasing down the few dozen stragglers who missed Tuesday night's filing deadline:.
"It may not be a good year for the economy, but the lobbyists are having a wonderful year. Lobbying in Massachusetts is very lucrative."
Lobbyists representing clients trying to pass new policies or prevent them from passing saw mixed success. While Governor Deval Patrick's plan to license three casinos in Massachusetts was meeting defeat in the House, lobbyists on gambling issues garnered nearly $870,000 on top of about $1.3 million for all of 2007. Their income in just six months surpassed their 12-month total for 2006 and virtually equaled the tally for 2005.
Pamela H. Wilmot, executive director of the government watchdog group Common Cause Massachusetts, said businesses and organizations are clearly willing to spend heavily to influence decisions that will affect their interests, whether through gathering evidence, taking their campaigns to the news media, or hiring well-connected insiders:
"When business interests are affected, they spend a tremendous amount of money to protect those interests."
As companion pieces, please see: Ron Paul Revolution Excerpts: Economic Freedom and Ron Paul Revolution Excerpts: Money.
Lobbyists and officials contacted yesterday refused to talk about lobbying, however. Patrick, House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi, and Senate President Therese Murray each declined to comment through their offices.
There is your "accountable" democracy!
Try calling their offices and complaining, too!
All you get is SILENCE and a CLICK!
Health-related organizations also dotted the top 10 spenders, as healthcare issues continued to play a prominent role on Beacon Hill. Galvin said voters and taxpayers should pay attention to lobbying fees, as well as to campaign contributions by lobbyists.
Galvin, encouraging people to visit his office's website, where lobbyist records are searchable:
"This may seem all kind of distant from people, but it's not. The public has to do its part by paying attention."
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Doesn't seem to matter much when we do, sir.
Because $$$ SCREAMS -- especially here in good, old Taxachusetts!
