Hospitals spend big on lobbying in Annapolis

Hospitals and other health care interests spent more than $3.6 million on lobbying in Maryland during the first half of the year, more than any other industry, according to an analysis by Common Cause Maryland. The group, which advocates for governmental accountability, said the expenditures could be attributed in part to the rollout of new national health care requirements. Common Cause, which reviewed lobbying reports to the State Ethics Commission for the six months through April 30, said the single biggest spender was the Maryland Hospital Association. Utility and energy companies ranked second in lobbyist expenses, spending almost $1.9 million, according to Common Cause, followed by builders and Realtors (nearly $1.4 million) and casino and racing groups (just over $1.1 million).