“The bigger the stakes, the more vigorous the lobbying,” said Jeff Brindle, executive director of the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission, which prepared the report. “Lobbying is an essential part of government. Special interest groups have a legitimate and integral role in helping to shape policies that affect the people of New Jersey.”
The $36.5 billion spending plan for 2019 was the most lobbied for issue, with 112 entities making 296 contacts to individuals and groups.
Following the budget was the legalization of recreational marijuana, where 68 separate entities made 201 contacts to lawmakers, according to the report.