News Summary
New York’s lobbying expenditures have exceeded $300 million, highlighting the influence of government relations firms on state legislation. An analysis reveals the top 50 lobbying firms, noting significant discrepancies in previously reported compensation. Despite changes among individual firms, overall spending has reached record levels, prompting calls for enhanced oversight and transparency in lobbying practices. Public support for environmental initiatives linked to lobbying efforts is also rising, indicating the complex dynamics of lobbying in the state.
New York’s lobbying sector has surpassed $300 million in spending, marking a significant moment in the influence of government relations firms on state legislation and regulations. The increase in lobbying compensation revenues is indicative of a burgeoning lobbyist industry in New York, as highlighted by a recent analysis from City & State which ranks the top 50 lobbying firms based on their reported compensation for 2024 to the state Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government.
The comprehensive report excluded organizations lobbying on their own behalf and combined lobbying entities within the same corporate family for accurate assessment. The top firms in the rankings were asked to detail their major accomplishments as well as key executives, showcasing the success these firms have seen in their influence.
Of note, while there has been consistent revenue growth within the sector, some large firms such as Capalino have closed their doors, transferring their clients to Fontas Advisors. Additionally, Brown & Weinraub hired Capalino’s land use team, and The Wright Group NY was absorbed by Hollis Public Affairs. Despite the fluctuations in individual firm operations, the overall ranking saw little movement among the top contenders, with both Manatt, Phelps & Phillips and Cozen O’Connor breaking into the Top 10 this year. For the first time, Empire Consulting Group also made it onto the list, led in New York by Ebony Meeks-Laidley.
However, the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government revealed a significant issue in their reporting, disclosing that $18.1 million in lobbyist compensation was inaccurately reported in the previous year. These discrepancies primarily stemmed from inconsistencies in payments reported by both lobbyists and their clients. The most notable discrepancies included a $320,000 difference involving the University at Buffalo, where lobbyists reported significantly higher compensation than what the institution claimed. Other considerable errors included a $297,000 discrepancy between NYC First, Inc. and Fontas Advisors, as well as a $270,000 gap between Kaleida Health and Manatt, Phelps & Phillips.
Furthermore, a troubling finding noted that eight lobbyists were unregistered, receiving a total of $3.8 million in unreported compensation, raising concerns about oversight. Additionally, fourteen filers neglected to report advertisement and event spending totaling $357,133, with the Black Latinx & Asian Charter Collaborative being identified as a primary offender.
This year’s total statewide spending on lobbying has reached an all-time high of $382.1 million. In response to the rising complexities and discrepancies in lobbying activities, the commission is advocating for legislative changes to strengthen oversight of lobbying and ethics within the state. These proposed changes include establishing penalties for violations and enhancing the transparency of candidate financial disclosures.
The impact of lobbying extends beyond mere spending, as demonstrated by recent advertisements from the American Chemistry Council linking rising egg prices to lobbying efforts for a new packaging reduction bill. This initiative reflects the growing intensity of lobbying efforts, with spending nearly doubling compared to previous years, including election advertisements aimed at swing districts. Critics of the legislation warn that it could potentially increase grocery prices, while supporters argue it would mitigate waste management costs for municipalities.
Polls indicate that there is considerable public support for requiring large companies to reduce packaging waste, suggesting a notable backing for environmental initiatives despite pushback from industry stakeholders.
In summary, New York’s lobbying landscape demonstrates a complex interplay of increasing expenditure, reported discrepancies, and the ongoing struggle for ethical practices, reflective of broader trends in legislative influence nationwide.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- City & State: 2025 Top 50 New York Lobbyists
- Times Union: New York Found $18.1 Million Wrongly Reported Pay
- NY Focus: New York Packaging Waste Recycling Bill Lobbying
- News10: Lobbying Hits Record in New York State Politics
- New York Times: Little Lobbyists Urge Senators to Oppose Trump’s Bill Cutting Medicaid
- Wikipedia: Lobbying in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
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