During the 2024 legislative session, lobbyists in West Virginia spent over $350,000 on lawmakers, similar to the previous year. A total of 106 registered lobbyists reported their activities between January and April to the Ethics Commission. Expenditures included dinners, receptions, and sponsorships for various events to further lobbying efforts.
The West Virginia Coal Association, West Virginia Municipal League, and individual lobbyists Gil White, Phil Reale, and the West Virginia AFL-CIO were the top spenders. WVCA President Chris Hamilton spent $19,070 on group expenditures and dinners for lawmakers, while the Municipal League spent $18,728 on a legislative reception and lunch.
Additionally, the Wetzel County Assessor’s Office and West Virginia University filed contracts for lobbying services. Wetzel County hired Conrad Lucas and Hallie Mason Consulting for issues related to natural gas assessment and tax classifications, while WVU contracted Danielle Waltz for legal and government relations assistance.
Last year, only six government lobbying contracts were submitted by the deadline. The reporting requirement does not apply to organizations representing multiple county and local governments. These efforts highlight the ongoing involvement of lobbyists in influencing legislative decisions in West Virginia.
These findings raise questions about the influence of lobbying on policymaking and the transparency of expenditures in the state. The annual reports provide insights into the interactions between lobbyists and lawmakers, shedding light on the dynamics of the legislative process. The ongoing scrutiny of lobbying practices underscores the importance of accountability and ethical conduct in government affairs.
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