How many lobbyists are there? What is their role in lawmaking?
There are lobbyists of all kinds at the Legislature– so many, in fact, that they outnumber legislators by slightly more than 6 to 1. The Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board’s Web site provides a list of currently registered lobbyists in Minnesota. Although the public perception of lobbyists is somewhat shaky, they do play an integral role in the legislative process. Legislators often look to lobbyists for expert testimony on a bill or a bill’s possible implications. Legislators are required to pass judgment on hundreds of topics each session, making it nearly impossible to keep abreast of all the complex issues. That’s when they turn to the lobbyists — particularly ones who have provided reliable information in the past. And, because lobbyists represent so many varied interests, all sides of an issue are explored. In addition, testimony by citizens, who have taken time out of their busy schedules to come to a legislative hearing, is also an effective method of involvement in
