AG Press Release Jan 6 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                   MEDIA CONTACTS:

January 5, 2009                                 Holly Hollingsworth: (614) 644-0508

cell: (614) 353-7576

Ted Hart: (614) 728-4127

cell: (614) 743-2286

Attorney General Cordray to Investigate and Hold Lobbyists Accountable

Attorney General Richard Cordray announced today that his office will investigate any alleged violations of Ohio’s lobbying laws and will collect outstanding debt owed to the state by legislative, executive agency and retirement system lobbyists.

“Lobbying activity in Ohio is at an all-time high,” Cordray said. “Today there are 11 registered lobbyists for every member of the legislature. Over the last ten years, the number of legislative lobbying engagements has increased 52 percent and the number of executive lobbying engagements increased 59 percent. In just the last five years, the number of retirement system lobbying engagements has grown by 331 percent. Any hard-working Ohioan in this tough economy would love to see that kind of job growth.”

“Clearly, more than ever, the expertise of the Attorney General’s office is needed to help prevent corruption as wealthy and well-connected special interests increasingly attempt to shape the laws and public policies that affect ordinary Ohioans, and we will work to ensure fairness and accountability when it comes to lobbyists and state government.”

Legislative, executive agency, and retirement system lobbyists and their employers are required by law to file registration statements, report expenditures and keep records of their activities. They also cannot work for contingent compensation, based on the outcome of their lobbying. While the Office of Legislative Inspector General has primary responsibility for administering Ohio’s lobbying laws and supervising registered lobbyists and their employers, Ohio law also gives the Attorney General investigative authority.

By investigating allegations of wrongdoing, the Attorney General’s office will help ensure that Ohio’s lobbying laws are being followed, Cordray said.

“Ordinary Ohioans are too busy making ends meet to spend much time combing through reporting documents. But the Attorney General’s office can, should, and will do the hard work required to make sure special interests are following the law. Citizens rightly expect a fair and transparent government, which belongs to them—and them only.”

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