February 17, 2009: Legislative Report #20

Capital Lobbying

Lobbing at the state capital is an ongoing event. When organizations invest millions during any given legislative year an expectation of cooperation from Legislative members follows. Influence happens and the amount of *money expended on behalf of special interest in Saint Paul is staggering. We are providing a 2007 **list of largest lobbying expenditures by entity for your consideration. I am confident lobbyists can provide valuable data, background, and effective information for legislators who need critical information. Regardless “lobbying” is just that, lobbying. Our representatives have a steady diet of influence from special interest groups. State law requires any lobby organization to register with the Campaign Finance Board each year. Included with the registration is a requirement to list subject matters the organization plans to lobby. I located this list on the internet. I counted over 1,058 subjects listed by lobbyists up for discussion with legislators.   

*Lobby registered expenditures for Minnesota
Total Expenditures in 2007: $61,483,428.62  
Total Expenditures in 2006: $53,287,184.65  
Total Expenditures in 2005: $54,728,359.13  
Total Expenditures in 2004: $49,538,163.08  
Total Expenditures in 2003: $47,656,117.30  
Total Expenditures in 2002: $41,901,465.61  

** Association Name 2007
MN Chamber of Commerce: $1,660,000.00  
Education MN: $1,560,000.00  
Minnesotans Against Fraud & Higher Insurance Costs: $1,160,000.00  
3M (MN Mining & Manufacturing Co): $1,020,000.00  
Coalition of Greater MN Cities: $1,020,000.00  
Xcel Energy Services Inc: $837,107.00
MN Business Partnership Inc: $760,000.00
Mall of America: $740,000.00
Big Stone II: $600,000.00
League of MN Cities: $579,248.00 
MN School Boards Assn: $540,000.00  
MN Vikings Football Club: $500,000.00  
Insurance Fed of MN: $490,000.00
Excelsior Energy: $480,000.00
Minneapolis Radiation Oncology Physicians: $480,000.00