Lobbying in Lake County, Illinois
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Taxpayer-funded lobbying is the use of public funds by governments to influence other levels of government. Counties, for example, will pay lobbyists to influence the state or the federal government. This type of lobbying is often not disclosed to constituents. Counties hire lobbyists on a contractual basis, have lobbyists on staff, or join groups which promote or oppose legislation on their behalf. Lobbyists also help counties seeking specific projects or appropriations.
[edit] Lobbying in Illinois
Lake County employs the services of two lobbying firms. Lake County pays Kolkmeier Consulting for Illinois state legislative services.[1] It pays an annual retainer in monthly installments. The firm specializes in issues relating to Lake County and "collar" counties.
| Firm | Year | Amount |
| Kolkmeier Consulting | 2010 | $48,068.07 |
| Kolkmeier Consulting | 2009 | $45,779.04 |
| Kolkmeier Consulting | 2008 | $43,599.15 |
| Kolkmeier Consulting | 2007 | $41,523.00 |
| Kolkmeier Consulting | 2006 | $40,314.00 |
| Kolkmeier Consulting | 2005 | $39,140.00 |
| Kolkmeier Consulting | 2003 | $38,000.00 |
[edit] Federal lobbying
In 2006, Lake County reported $80,000 spent on federal lobbying. [2] Ferguson Consulting represents the county before the federal government.[3]
| Firm | Year | Amount |
| Ferguson Group | 2010 | $16,666.66 |
| Ferguson Group | 2009 | $99,999.96 |
| Ferguson Group | 2008 | $99,720.80 |
| Ferguson Group | 2007 | $98,325.00 |
| Ferguson Group | 2006 | $97,493.76 |
| Ferguson Group | 2005 | $95,000.04 |
| Ferguson Group | 2004 | $14,666.66 |
[edit] Taxpayer-funded lobbying associations
- Main article: Illinois taxpayer-funded lobbying associations
The county pays for membership dues in taxpayer-funded lobbying associations through the General Fund, under "County Board Dues and Subscriptions."[4] Lake County belongs to at least four associations:
- Lake County Municipal League[5]
- Metro Counties of Illinois
- National Association of Counties
- Lake County Transportation Alliance
| Association | Year | Dues |
| Lake County Municipal League | 2010 | $2,800.16 |
| Metro Counties of Illinois | 2010 | $15,750.00 |
| Lake County Transportation Alliance | 2010 | $10,000.00 |
| Lake County Municipal League | 2009 | $2,800.16 |
| Metro Counties of Illinois | 2009 | $15,750.00 |
| National Association of Counties | 2009 | $12,414.00 |
| Lake County Transportation Alliance | 2009 | $10,000.00 |
| Lake County Municipal League | 2008 | $2,554.04 |
| Metro Counties of Illinois | 2008 | $15,750.00 |
| National Association of Counties | 2008 | $12,414.00 |
| Lake County Transportation Alliance | 2008 | $10,000.00 |
| Lake County Municipal League | 2007 | $2,393.72 |
| Metro Counties of Illinois | 2007 | $15,750.00 |
| National Association of Counties | 2007 | $12,414.00 |
| Lake County Transportation Alliance | 2007 | $10,000.00 |
| Lake County Municipal League | 2006 | $2,377.07 |
| Metro Counties of Illinois | 2006 | $15,750.00 |
| National Association of Counties | 2006 | $12,414.00 |
| Metro Counties of Illinois | 2005 | $15,750.00 |
| National Association of Counties | 2005 | $11,039.00 |
| Lake County Municipal League | 2004 | $2,371.00 |
| National Association of Counties | 2004 | $10,738.00 |
The county may belong to more associations. The scope of the FOIA Sunshine Review sent was too burdensome for a complete accounting.[6]
[edit] References
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