New Mexico political lobbyists are reporting a nearly 20 percent increase in spending in the first four months of 2016 over last year.
Financial statements filed with the New Mexico Secretary of State's office before a Tuesday deadline show lobbyists spent $269,000 to influencing public officials between the start of the year and April 25, including a 30-day legislative session. That was up from $226,000 in 2015.
The spending includes direct campaign contributions as well as meals at Santa Fe restaurants. Lobbyists must report expenditures of $75 or more, and sometimes report smaller transactions.
Legislation approved in February will raise the reporting threshold to $100 and add an additional reporting deadline in October ahead of general elections. The entire New Mexico Legislature is up for election in November.
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