Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Includes Indirect Donations to Politicians

by Wesley Fox The Illinois Policy Institute has proposed greater transparency in taxpayer-funded lobbying, including reports on state and local government expenditures on lobbyists.  The Daily Herald has found another good reason for transparency. According to the Daily Herald, the Regional Transit Authority (RTA), Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Pace and Metra spent more than $12.8 million on...

by Wesley Fox

The Illinois Policy Institute has proposed greater transparency in taxpayer-funded lobbying, including reports on state and local government expenditures on lobbyists.  The Daily Herald has found another good reason for transparency.

According to the Daily Herald, the Regional Transit Authority (RTA), Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Pace and Metra spent more than $12.8 million on lobbying firms in 2004.  Some of those firms turned around and donated $1.8 million to Illinois politicians.

This process allows state transit agencies to quietly donate directly to legislators by using lobbyists as a go-between.  According to state Sen. Susan Garrett, who has signed the Illinois Policy Institute’s transparency pledge:

When lobbyists donate to politicians, it compromises the process. It’s difficult if we as legislators are scrutinizing how taxpayer dollars are spent if in fact lobbyists are providing our campaigns with contributions. It’s a circle game. Lobbyists get payments and lobbyists pay legislators.”

Check out this report on taxpayer-funded lobbying in Illinois.