Lobbyists file earnings for second half of 2006

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Lobbyists hired to influence Cook County government officials received over $1,210,000 in compensation during the last six months of 2006, according to figures released by Cook County Clerk David Orr’s office. The $1,210,945 paid to lobbyists represents a two percent increase from the $1,187,730 they received during the first six-month period of 2006, 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, 54 lobbyists reported incurring expenses or making expenditures, receiving payment, or both incurring expenses and being compensated. Those lobbyists totaled $17,201 in expenses and expenditures (see attached lobbyist expense report), compared to $13,190 in the first half of 2006.

The county has 237 registered lobbyists, up from 228 in the last reporting period.

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 the lobbyists' expense report, click here.

To view the list of active Cook County lobbyists and their clients, click here.