By Associated Press
Oklahoma City, OK – Lobbyist spending on Okla legislators increases
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Funding for state agencies was down in Oklahoma, but spending by lobbyists on legislators was up during the past legislative session.
According to Oklahoma Ethics Commission records, lobbyists spent $51,133, or 24 percent more, on lawmakers from January to June. Nearly all of that was for meals. During the same period in 2009, lobbyists spent $38,587.
Meanwhile, state agencies were forced to cut spending because of a $1.2 billion shortfall for fiscal year 2011.
Reports showed the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives spent the most, $3,785, on legislators.
State Rep. Ron Peters, who leads the human services appropriations subcommittee, received the most from lobbyists, $1,130.
Rep. Jason Murphey and Sens. Jim Halligan, Steve Russell and Mike Mazzei received no lobbyist money.
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Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com