More than $2.2 million was spent on lobbying during the first month of the 2012 General Assembly.  About $1.8 million of that total was spent by employers compensating their lobbyists.  Of the remainder, $182,474 was spent by Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) on consulting fees, phone banking, and on a website which allows citizens to contact legislators.  CHPA represents manufacturers and distributors of over-the-counter medicines, and is lobbying on issues relating to the methamphetamine problem, including Senate Bills 50 and 79, and House Bills 79 and 80.

      For the first month, the top 10 spenders on lobbying were: CHPA ($194,958); Kentucky Hospital Association ($36,120); Kentucky Chamber of Commerce ($33,347); Kentucky Retail Federation ($24,262); Kentucky Education Association ($23,620); AT&T ($23,233); Altria Client Services ($22,306); Kentucky Medical Association ($20,773); Kentucky Justice Association ($18,119); and Kentucky Bankers Association ($18,080).

      The next 10 top spenders were:  Swedish Match North America ($17,771); Kentucky Optometric Association ($17,250); Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives ($16,499); Kentuckians for the Commonwealth ($15,871); CSX Corporation ($15,337); Kentucky Association of Manufacturers ($15,096); Hewlett-Packard Company ($15,000); Kentucky Bluegrass Association of Club Executives ($15,000); Wine Institute ($15,000); and Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities ($14,124).