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Pharmaceutical, Casino Groups Around Top Lobbyists

Pharmaceutical, Casino Groups Around Top Lobbyists

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


AUGUSTA, Maine (AP)  Pharmaceutical companies, marijuana and casino groups and the state’s largest utility are among the top spenders on lobbying as Maine’s legislative session wraps up.

Maine lawmakers still have to make key decisions on bills to address solar policy, increase transparency of prescription costs and allow tribal gaming.

This year’s legislation session is set to end in mid-April. Companies and groups from Central Maine Power to Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America to Penn National Gaming have reported spending at least $1 million on lobbying this year.

The top spender on lobbying continues to be a California billionaire pushing for a crime victim’s bill of rights in Maine. His group’s reported spending $30,000 this year and $120,000 last year to lobby on such legislation, which has yet to receive votes.

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