Albany, NY, Mar 27, 2012 — The seemingly-recession-proof business of lobbying grew once again in New York last year. The state's ethics panel has announced it found a total of $220 million was spent to influence the governor and members of the legislature. In Albany, Karen DeWitt has the details:  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Apr 07, 2011 — One of the top issues of the post budget session is ethics reform.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver says he and Governor Cuomo have an understanding on legislation. But the governor says he's not quite there yet. Karen Dewitt reports.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Mar 08, 2011 — A new study finds lobbyists spent more than ever influencing lawmakers in Albany last year. The New York Public Interest Research Group says $210 million was spent lobbying the state capitol. NYPIRG legislative director Blair Horner says one industry stands out.  Go to full article

Pierrepont Manor, NY, Jun 18, 2009 — Congressman John McHugh is awaiting confirmation as the next Secretary of the Army. With the heightened profile comes greater scrutiny. A government watchdog group is questioning a campaign contribution McHugh received from a lobbying firm under investigation by the FBI. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Dec 06, 2007 — State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo unveiled a new website Wednesday that he says will help the public become more informed on what their government is doing, and hopefully, restore some public trust. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Jul 13, 2006 — An Assembly committee put Olympic Regional Development Authority President and CEO Ted Blazer under the microscope Tuesday over the Congressional Winter Challenge. The annual retreat has been held in Lake Placid since 1998. Supporters say it's a way to get support for federal aid to Lake Placid's Olympic venues. But, as Chris Knight reports, critics believe the event is a taxpayer funded vacation for lobbyists.  Go to full article

Mar 17, 2006 — The New York State Lobbying Commission has enacted one of the toughest in the nation gift restrictions for lobbyists who provide dinners, stadium tickets, or other complementary services to legislators. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Jun 22, 2005 — Governor Pataki and the legislature have agreed to two key reforms, greater regulation of lobbying for government contracts, and changes to comply with federal requirements for voting reform. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Jun 17, 2005 — A near record amount of money - almost $42 million - was spent on lobbying for the recently defeated West Side stadium proposal. Madison Square Garden and its owner, Cablevision, which opposed the project, outspent the New York Jets by a nearly two to one margin. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Jun 15, 2005 — Governor Pataki is pushing for a ban on lobbying before the end of the legislative session, but there are indications the legislature may opt instead for more disclosure of lobbying activities. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article