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.

New York’s Lobbying Spending Surges to Record Levels in 2024