The top 10 spenders on lobbying state government in 2013
$65,125,023.00
That's how much money lobbyists spent last year to influence legislation being debated at the Minnesota Capitol.
While that may seem like an eye-popping figure, it's not out of step with how much interest groups have spent in previous sessions.
You can see the entire list here.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
Coming in first place was the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, which spent $2.1 million last year. They were followed by the Minnesota Business Partnership, which spent $1.48 million.
Among other things, both groups objected to a handful of business-to-businesses taxes the DFL-controlled legislature passed last session. Both groups are working this year to undo those taxes.
Coming in fourth was Minnesotans United, a group that supports same-sex marriage. They spent $1.14 million on lobbying, which paid off when the Legislature legalized it last year.
While they didn't make the top 10 spenders, AFSCME Council 5 spent $490,000 last year -- more than three times the amount in 2011. With the DFL newly in control of the Legislature, the union was weighing-in on an array of issues, including the unionization of daycare providers and a minimum wage increase.
Here are the top 10 biggest spenders from last year:
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce: $2,100,000
Minnesota Business Partnership: $1,480,000
Education Minnesota: $1,220,000
Minnesotans United: $1,140,000
Altria Client Services, Inc. and its Affiliates: $1,060,000
Coalition of Minnesota Businesses: $900,000
Coalition of Greater MN Cities: $840,000
Minnesota Radiation Oncology Physicians: $700,000
Xcel Energy Services: $662,025
League of Minnesota Cities: $628,945