|
Lobbyist Spending Numbers Aired
HARRISBURG -- Senator
Robert C. Jubelirer said a Senate Rule requiring lobbyists to register and
disclose their spending as it relates to Senate activity continues to prove its
value for Pennsylvania's citizens. He praised the efforts of the two floor
leaders -- Senator Chip Brightbill and Senator Bob Mellow -- for providing the
bipartisan commitment in the Senate that has ensured this information is
compiled and made available to the public.
The reports covering the
first half of 2005 have been tallied. The 717 registered lobbyists,
representing 1363 organizations, reported spending a total of $67.7 million for
the two quarters extending from January 1, 2005 to June 30, 2005.
Direct communications
totaled $30.7 million, while indirect communications accounted for another $6
million.
Health care groups topped
the spending list, followed by business groups, telecommunications interests,
education interests, and insurance groups.
"These numbers confirm what
Pennsylvanians have long believed. Lobbying is big business, and as the issues
legislators confront become more complex and more contentious, the resources
poured into lobbying will continue to grow," Jubelirer said.
"Pennsylvania should have a
law under which the universe of lobbying activity is publicly revealed. If
people are given the chance to see what is taking place, they have a better
chance of making informed judgments about the actions of state government," he
added.
"The information we have
garnered through the Senate Rule is a good start, but until there is a statewide
requirement that covers activity relating to the House and the executive branch,
people are forced to speculate about what is an effort to educate and what is an
effort to influence. During the time when the law was in effect and a fuller
accounting of lobbying activity was provided, Pennsylvanians could compare the
numbers with the actions of state government, and see a highly varied picture.
Some groups who spend very little achieve some big results, while others who are
quite active and aggressive end up with far less than they were seeking,"
Jubelirer pointed out.
The Senate last April
unanimously approved Senate Bill 1, a Jubelirer-sponsored measure that would
restore Pennsylvania's lobbyist disclosure law.
Summaries of the reports for
the ten quarters the Senate Rule has been in effect are attached.
Lobbyists Expenditures Summary (PDF file)
|
