Lobbyist Influence in Harrisburg

Well the budget is finally passed but don't expect much more to happen during the next election year. Politicians up for re-election in 2010, will be spending more of their precious time on getting re-elected then on any important matters in Harrisburg. They will be making sure that all of their PAC contributions and all their special interest lobbyist groups will be opening their wallets to influence the elections just like they helped influence the budget. If you don't think that money talks in Harrisburg you are sadly mistaken.

The three most powerful industries- gambling, natural-gas drillers, and tobacco - spent more than $4.5 million just this year alone on lobbying in Harrisburg. Tobacco interests spent $1.5 million through Sept. 30. Reynolds American Inc, whose subsidiary Conwood Co. is the second-largest producer of smokeless tobacco products spent over a half million dollars. Although new taxes were imposed on cigarettes, the state legislature dropped proposals to tax smokeless tobacco products and cigars. Pennsylvania remains the only state without a tax on smokeless products. When Gov. Rendall was proposing a severance tax on natural gas drillers, Lobbyist spent $1.6 million to address this. Leading the way was a Texas company, Range Resources Appalachia L.L.C. investing in drilling in the Marcellus Shale spending $605,817 last year in their lobbying efforts. Casino owners led by The Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem dolled out $307,000 this year to ensure table games. This was largely in part because legislative leaders in the House and Senate could not come to terms on the legislative details. Particularly how much the state would charge casinos in taxes and licensing fees.

Pay-to play is alive and well in Harrisburg.. Industries wouldn't spend six figures if it didn't work. Remember when we were without a budget and people were struggling through this recession, the tobacco industry led by one lobbyist Arthur Zaretsky was hosting receptions for legislators to plead his case. Nice..