BOSTON - Lobbying state lawmakers is a booming business on Beacon Hill.
According to the secretary of state’s office, businesses, unions and other groups spent more than $115 million on political lobbying in 2010, up from $96 million in 2009.
The nearly 20 percent hike came amid a fierce debate on casino gambling and an ongoing
Businesses and unions not only hire lobbyists to try to push through new bills, but also to help defeat other measures and to persuade lawmakers to spare some programs from deeper cuts.
On the $115 million spent last year, $91.7 million went into the paychecks of lobbyists. Another $22.5 million went to expenses like consulting and meals.
Lobbyists also made $1.4 million in direct contributions to lawmaker’s campaigns.
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Online:
Mass. Secretary of State: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/
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