SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - State records show that lobbyists have spent more than $1.2 million so far this year in Illinois.
Reports from the Illinois Secretary of State office show the money was spent on meals, entertainment, gatherings and other expenses. Illinois' lobbyist disclosure law requires that the expenditures be reported.
So far this year's spending is more than all of last year's spending, which totaled a little more than $1 million. Nearly $1.9 million in lobbyist spending was reported in 2011.
Experts say having both an uptick in lobbyist spending and an increase in lobbyists aren't unexpected when there is a change of administration. GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner took office earlier this year.
Illinois has about 2,060 registered lobbyists, including contract lobbyists, businesses, labor organizations and other groups.
