Spending On State Lobbying Shifts From Gambling To Health Care

Eight out of the 10 highest paid lobbyists in 2012 are on track to retain their titles in 2013, while business spending on lobbyists shifted from gambling to health care, according to a post-session report released by the State Ethics Commission. For the six month reporting period from Nov. 1, 2012 to April 30, 2013, lobbyists have reported earning $23 million.

At the halfway mark through the 2013 reporting year for lobbyists, Gerard Evans is slated to be the highest paid lobbyist in Maryland, with year-to-date earnings of $1.176 million. Maryland Hospital Association is on track to being the biggest spender, having so far paid out $380,448 to lobbyists.

The report does not cover lobbyists for state agencies or local governments who are not required to file. The report also does not show how much of their fees lobbyists or their firms spent on staff, overhead and other expenses.
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