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March 19, 2007
2006 lobbying breaks record, tripled since '96
Gannett News Service, via Ithaca Journal
By YANCEY ROY
Bruce Ratner was the third biggest spender in lobbying officials in Albany last year, doling out $2.11 million to convince politicians that Atlantic Yards and his other projects are good for NY.
Ratner was only outspent by the Healthcare Association of New York State and Verizon.
Special-interest groups spent a record $151 million trying to influence politics at the State Capitol in 2006, fueled by fights over health care, telecommunications and sports stadiums.
The amount spent on lobbying in New York has tripled in just 10 years, according to a report issued Monday.
The money represents spending on advertising, salaries of lobbyists, meals bought for legislators and similar costs. It does not include campaign contributions.
...
Bruce Ratner, who wants to build a basketball arena in Brooklyn to house the now-New Jersey Nets NBA team, ranked No. 3 at $2.11 million.
Read the NY State's 2006 Lobbying Report, where Ratner ranks #1 for the single largest lobbying contract for 2006 at a whopping $656,520.
Posted by lumi at March 19, 2007 10:56 AM