prescription drug reform
By JAY GALLAGHER
Albany Bureau
(Original publication: Nov. 23, 2003)
Lobbyists: The Top 10
These are the lobbying organizations that spent the most money in New York State during 2002, with links to each organization's Web site.
*A word about links
1. United Federation of Teachers, New York City teachers' union, seeking more state aid for NYC schools — $2,803,674.
2. New York State United Teachers, the state's biggest teachers' union (UFT is its largest local), seeking more school aid statewide — $1,962,906.
3. Public Employees Federation, white-collar state-workers' union, seeking raises for its members and to avoid layoffs, — $1,166,861.
4. Medical Society of the State of New York, seeking change in tort laws that doctors claim are driving malpractice premiums through the roof — $117,081.
5. Greater New York Hospital Association, represents downstate hospitals, seeking no cuts in Medicaid rates —$1,024,939.
6. Philip Morris Management Corp., conglomerate that includes tobacco company, fighting statewide ban on smoking in all workplaces, including bars and restaurants — $946,760.
7. New York City Council, seeking more state aid for the city — $895,754.
8. Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network, pro baseball cable channel, in brawl with Cablevision, cable-TV provider in metro area over who should pay whom to have the system carry Yankees games, seeking legislative support — $785,187.
9. The Business Council of New York State, largest business-lobbying group in the state, seeking lower taxes and fewer regulations — $689,517.
10. Healthcare Association of New York State, lobbying group for nursing homes and other health facilities, seeking to block Medicaid cuts — $668,248.
© 2003, Gannett News Service
