From the Decatur Herald & Review

Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Study shows millions in local tax money is used to lobby state government
By MIKE RIOPELL - H&R Springfield Bureau Writer

SPRINGFIELD - A study released Monday shows that millions of dollars in local tax money is used to lobby state government, and the report's authors say groups trying to influence decision makers should have to disclose more about their costs and intentions.
The study by the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform showed dozens of Illinois cities, school districts and universities spent a combined $5 million lobbying lawmakers a year ago.
The information came through Freedom of Information Act requests to each of the local bodies, but the reform group says a change in state law could make the information easier to find, from both the government and private groups like companies and unions.
Lobbyists and groups hiring them have to register with the secretary of state, but they don't have to say how much they're going to spend or some of the details about what kind of sway they want to have with officials.
"What are people looking for here?" said David Morrison, author of the report.
The study shows contracts for lobbying services vary widely. For example, the city of Decatur spent $15,000 lobbying last year while the report shows neither Bloomington nor Normal spending anything.
According to the Herald & Review's archives, the city in 2007 planned to spend $30,000 directly with Illinois Strategies LLC, a lobbying firm that employs Julie Curry, a former representative and member of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's first administration.
The city in 2007 planned to hand over another $30,000 to the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce to pay for lobbying efforts on the behalf of Paragon. Paragon stands for Politically Active Regional Approach to Government & Organizational Networking and is a coalition of governmental bodies working together to promote projects that benefit the region as a whole. Paragon also plans to hire Illinois Strategies.
The report isn't necessarily exhaustive.
McLean County, though, spent $7,500 while the city of Marion spent $14,000.
Among universities, Southern Illinois University spent the most, dropping $115,000 on two different firms.
SIU spokesman Dave Gross, who lobbies state government, said the outside firms have specific tasks to focus on when asking lawmakers for money or help on legislation.
"They have an extra degree of intensity and expertise," he said.
Eastern Illinois University spent $48,000, while Illinois State University its own staff to lobby.
ISU spokesman Jay Groves said they didn't see any need to hire more people.
"That's been our tradition," he said.
SPENDING
A study showed local governments spent $5 million combined on lobbying services. Here are some examples:
- $15,000 by city of Decatur
- $7,500 by McLean County
- $48,000 by Eastern Illinois University
- $115,000 by Southern Illinois University