News Summary
In 2024, New York City’s lobbying spending reached an unprecedented $377.1 million, marking a 4.57% increase from the previous year. The findings from the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government reveal that major players in healthcare and gambling are at the forefront of these lobbying efforts. With a record number of registered lobbyists and reports filed, the landscape is buzzing with activity as organizations strive to influence key government decisions.
New York’s Lobbying Spending Soars in 2024: Breaking Records and Bank
New York City has once again made headlines, and this time it’s about lobbying – an activity that’s been buzzing with energy! In 2024, total lobbying spending skyrocketed to an astounding $377.1 million, marking a whopping 4.57% increase from the previous year. It’s clear that organizations are ramping up their efforts to sway government decisions more than ever!
The Bigger Picture
So, what exactly does this mean? Well, when we talk about lobbying, we’re talking about influencing the nitty-gritty details of legislative, regulatory, or executive decisions without the clutter of campaign donations. Seems like a lot of folks have some things they’d like to get approved or changed!
The state’s Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) has been on the ball, tracking all lobbying expenses and reports from state agencies, lawmakers, and larger municipalities. Their findings revealed that the top ten client entities alone shelled out around $39.1 million on lobbying activities, with the spotlight shining brightly on the healthcare and gambling industries.
Power Players in the Lobbying Game
Leading the pack of spenders is the 1199SEIU Labor Management Healthcare Education Project, which invested nearly $11.5 million. In hot pursuit is the Alliance to Protect Home Care, who wasn’t far behind with approximately $10.6 million. The gaming firms, including Genting New York and Queens Future, tossed in around $6 million collectively into the mix.
More Lobbyists, More Action
The action doesn’t stop there. The year also saw a surge in registered lobbyists – a total of 6,113 individuals are now navigating this busy landscape. Lobbyists filed a whopping 77,883 reports in 2024, up from 73,560 in the previous year. Gosh, that’s a lot of paperwork!
The Office of the Governor detected the most lobbying activity, registering 4,574 reports. It’s evident that lobbyists are keen on making their voices heard, especially when it comes to influencing decisions in the executive branch, where they invested nearly $22 million.
Who’s Attracting the Most Attention?
Some assembly members and state senators are becoming popular spots for lobbyists to land their efforts. Notable names include Assemblymembers Amy Paulin, John McDonald, and Harry Bronson, along with State Senators Jeremy Cooney and Andrea Stewart-Cousins. These lawmakers are clearly on the radar of many organizations looking to make their mark.
The Numbers Behind the Firms
Now, let’s talk about the big players behind the scenes. Certain lobbying firms are cashing in big time! The top three based on compensation are Brown and Weinraub Advisors, raking in $22.1 million, followed closely by Bolton-St. Johns with $18.1 million and Kasirer LLC at $17.1 million. These firms certainly know how to play their cards right!
Regulations and Oversight
State laws are pretty clear about who gets to qualify as a lobbyist. State employees performing their official duties and individuals with criminal records are left out of the mix. COELIG takes its job seriously, keeping an eye on over 330,000 state officers and employees, through random audits, investigations, and ethics training.
Looking Ahead
The report shines a light on the growing and significant lobbying efforts that are shaping state and local policies. With such a surge in spending and involvement, one can’t help but wonder what the next steps for lobbying in New York will be. Grab your popcorn, folks! This is just getting interesting.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Times Union: NY Lobbying Interests Break Spending Record
- City & State NY: 2024 Top 50 State Lobbyists
- Democrat and Chronicle: Rochester NY Climate Activists Join Coalition Lobbying in Albany
- Syracuse.com: Constitutionality of NY Ethics Panel Argued Before State’s Top Court
- Spectrum Local News: New York Ethics Panel Names New Chair & Vice Chair
- Wikipedia: Lobbying
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
