SALT LAKE CITY — The president/CEO of the Utah League of Credit Unions, Scott Simpson, apparently leads the pack in spending the most on lobbying state lawmakers during 2007, according to state records highlighted last week by the Salt Lake Tribune.
Based on industry disclosure documents detailing $200,000 in expenses by 100 Utah lobbyists filed with Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert, Simpson spent $15, 548 entertaining lawmakers.
Defending the outlay, Simpson told Credit Union Times the expenses are a routine part of doing business in "building a trusting relationship for future policy discussions" on bills of interest to CUs adding, "I believe our members expect their trade association to be relevant in the legislative process."
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A Tribune article headlined "Report Shows Price to Sway Lawmakers" specifically mentioned the league entertaining a group of lawmakers and their families at a cost of $5,000 to a showing of "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" at the Gateway Theater. Simpson called the film good family entertainment and such an event is something "we've been doing for a couple of years now."
The get-together "is a great opportunity to spend time with legislators and their families," declared Simpson. While the lieutenant t governor's list showed Simpson on top, sources noted bankers' groups have multiple Utah lobbyists with totals that compare to Simpson's.
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