Spending on Lobbying Declines

March 10, 2023 | njspotlightnews.org

For the second year in a row, groups spent less money trying to influence state government than the prior year, with pandemic-related lobbying waning and no major statewide issues driving spending.

The annual report on lobbying from the Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) found groups and lobbying firms spent almost $95.1 million last year. That is roughly 1% less than in 2021 and some 11% lower than the all-time high of nearly $107 million spent in 2020. COVID-19 first hit New Jersey in March of that year, prompting lawmakers to advance a raft of emergency measures in such areas as health care, schools and business.

NJ SEED: For many in the public the term “lobbying” leaves a negative impression. It is, however, one of the world’s oldest professions providing lawmakers with information from stakeholders about the impact of decisions they are called on to make when crafting legislation. Hotly contested issues and campaigns bring out both supporters and opponents. NJ has a substantial body of law designed to discourage attempts to buy or rent legislators and other public officials.