Group Aligned with Big Tobacco Tops Kansas Lobbyist Spending

A group affiliated with Big Tobacco spent more than all other organizations lobbying the Kansas state government last year, followed by an organization that opposed efforts to expand state liquor laws.

A report released Wednesday shows that lobbyists spent a total of $1.74 million last year to curry favor with state lawmakers. That’s far higher than the nearly $1.2 million they spent in 2014 and more than the previous record of $1.4 million set in 2010.

Altria Client Services LLC, whose clients include Phillip Morris, led all organizations with just over $223,000 in spending.

The Kansas Association for Responsible Liquor Laws, which fought efforts to expand sales of liquor, wine and full-strength beer to grocery and convenience stores, spent nearly $185,000 on that campaign.