SPRINGFIELD (AP) — A published report says the number of lobbyists in Springfield is at the highest level in five years.
The Springfield bureau of Lee Enterprises reports there are 1,973 lobbying entities or organizations, up from 1,763 five years ago.
Some attribute the reason to a change in the governor’s office with the first Republican in more than a decade. Others note a push by utility companies for legislation altering state law.
Exelon Generation has 16 lobbyists this year, up from eight last year.
State records show the biggest spending lobbying organization in 2015 is the Ounce of Prevention Fund which is led by Gov. Bruce Rauner’s wife, Diana Rauner. The public-private partnership spent more than $130,000 on lobbying public officials.
The Illinois Association of Park Districts has spent roughly $87,000.