Lobbyists file earnings for last half of 2004

46 lobbyists collect more than $1 million

Friday, January 28, 2005

Lobbyists hired to influence Cook County government officials received more than $1 million in compensation during the last six months of 2004, according to figures released by Cook County Clerk David Orr’s office.

The $1,008,564 paid to lobbyists represents a 41 percent increase from the $713,554 they received during the first six-month period of 2004, documents submitted to the Clerk’s office show.

Any individual who receives payment for attempting to influence county government is required to register as a lobbyist with the Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Division of the Clerk’s office. County ordinances specify that individuals who lobby county officials must file a semi-annual expenditure report.

During the recent filing period, 46 lobbyists reported incurring expenses or making expenditures, receiving payment, or both incurring expenses and being compensated. Those lobbyists totaled $9,379 in expenses and expenditures (see attached lobbyist expense report), compared to $11,432 in the first half of 2004.

The county has 194 registered lobbyists, and 181 filed by the January 20 deadline. As of January 28, an additional six had filed after the deadline. Lobbyists who miss the deadline must file a late report and are subject to a $10-per-day penalty. Those who fail to comply after Monday, January 31, will face fines of up to $100 per day.

A list of all registered Cook County lobbyists is available in the Cook County Clerk’s office at the Cook County Administration Building, 69 W. Washington St., 5th Floor, Chicago.