The Four Types Of Lobbying

LOBBYING

WHAT IS LOBBYING?

Lobbying means you are supplying information to policy makers (usually lawmakers) trying to influence someone as they make public policy. Many people think of “lobbying” as good and positive, while others think of it as bad and corrupting. Either way, is a key part of the democratic system and necessary. It is founded on the principles of free speech. Lobbying is a part of the right to “… petition the government for a redress of grievances.” This right is stated in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The most common type of lobbying is done when people attempt to influence state or national lawmakers. These politicians are given information by lobbyists that are hired by companies or organizations

Lobbying becomes more complex when larger organizations are involved. Larger organizations have more resources to hire professionals to lobby for them. Professional lobbyists “know the ropes” when it comes to law making. They know who to see, who to call and who will listen to them.

A typical example of professional lobbying today would be the music industry hiring representatives to push for new laws. Music companies are against music downloading and file sharing. The lobbyists would be hired to examine current laws and regulations. These lobbyists may also talk to musicians and music store owners to see how current laws on online music sharing affect them. The lobbyists will “educate” the lawmaker. Then the lobbyist will “strongly encourage” the lawmakers to protect the music industry. The hired lobbyists will make many phone calls and be in many meetings. They may also attend legislative hearings whenever public policy might be changed. Lobbyists try to get lots of people to agree with them. They may use different ways to inform the general public on the issue so they gain wider support for their

(There are only 132 lawmakers in WI, but there was almost 800 people hired to influence them!) During that same time period these organizations spent $62 million lobbying to influence laws that were being made. Moreover, these organizations reported spending 477,000 hours lobbying in this one session of legislature. (This is equivalent to one person working a 40 hour week for 229 years without vacation!)

WHY REGULATION IS IMPORTANT

Today it is illegal to pay a politician in any way. Legislative reform, new laws, monitoring and education have all changed how lobbying can be done and who can do it. Items of money value include lodging, transportation, meals, and money may never be given to a candidate or their personal political campaign within 5 months of the election. However, money can be given to campaigns before that time and money can also be given to PAC that are independent of the candidate but still spend money to get him/her elected.

The laws attempt to ensure a “level playing field” for everyone. Many say lobbying only helps the wealthy people and big business. They argue that the poorer groups of people don’t have the resources to hire a professional. The poorer people don’t have the same opportunity to be heard as the wealthy. It is still argued that money is power and the wealthy have the