Cass hears report on others' lobbying efforts

WALKER -- Cass and Crow Wing counties discussed but took no action this year on a suggestion the two counties might benefit from joint legislative lobbying.

Other cities, counties and agencies have been spending large amounts to influence the Legislature, according to a 1999 Minnesota State Auditor report Cass Administrator Robert Yochum presented to the county board Tuesday.

The Association of Minnesota Counties, whom these two counties have relied upon to speak in their behalf, spent less to lobby in 1999 than some single cities, counties and agencies.

Hennepin County spent $324,728; Minneapolis, $213,501; Richfield, $191,919; Metropolitan Airports Commission, $148,573; St. Louis County, $133,152; and Ramsey County, $111, 700.

AMC spent $123,689 in 1999.

Local governments and agencies spent a total $1,879,024 lobbying the 1999 Legislature. Of associations, the League of Minnesota Cities spent the most, $407,619, followed by Minnesota School Boards Association, $325,002.

Some larger cities and counties hired both contract businesses and individual employees to lobby in their behalf, according to the report.