Lobbyists spent $12.8 million courting Texas lawmakers

According to a report in the Houston Chronicle, lobbyists spent more than $12 million in the last four years wining and dining Texas lawmakers and other state workers, including trips to pricey resorts across the country. Using lobby disclosure data, reporter Matt Stiles found that state senators and representatives had accepted at least $3.5 million in meals, travel, gifts and entertainment. Lobbyists spent another $3.8 million on the members' staffs. The story also reported that lawmakers have structured the rules so that most of their contacts with lobbyists are not reported.