Lobbyists file earnings for first half of 2005

Kelley Quinn
Friday, July 29, 2005

Lobbyists hired to influence Cook County government officials received $646,493 in compensation during the first six months of 2005, according to figures released by Cook County Clerk David Orr’s office.

The amount paid to lobbyists represents a $407,571 decrease from the $1,054,064 they received during the last 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 Department of the Clerk’s office. County ordinance requires that individuals who lobby county officials must file a semi-annual expenditure report.

During the recent filing period, 52 lobbyists reported incurring expenses or making expenditures, receiving payment, or both incurring expenses and being compensated. Those lobbyists totaled $17,314 in expenses and expenditures, compared to $13,879 in the last half of 2004.

The county has 212 registered lobbyists. Of those registered, 206 have filed their reports. 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 July 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.

To view list of lobbyists, click here.