Lobbyists paid $2.4 million in 2012 to influence Cook County officials

Lobbyists were paid nearly $2.4 million in 2012 as they attempted to influence Cook County officials on issues including the county’s new land bank, driver’s licenses for immigrants, and the landfill moratorium, according to reports submitted to Clerk David Orr’s website.

“It is clear from the data posted online that lobbyists tried to effect decisions on everything from budget matters to policy issues,” Orr said. “Cook County officials were contacted more than 1,200 times by lobbyists last year so this information truly helps to piece together the puzzle.”

The 191 registered lobbyists in Cook County earned $1,154,003 between January and June and $1,230,879 from July to the end of the year. Compensation increased 25 percent from 2011, when lobbyists were paid nearly $1.9 million.

Lobbyists reported contacting county officials 687 times from July to December, up from 540 in the first half of 2012.