Wisconsin Earns High Marks From Pro-Transparency Group For Its Tracking Of Lobbyists

Wisconsin received good marks for its system to keep track of lobbyists in a national comparison by the pro-transparency group the Sunlight Foundation.

The foundation ranked Wisconsin in the top five states for transparency in terms of keeping tabs on those who are paid to try and persuade lawmakers. For example, the report examines whether a state has a system in place to reveal what legislation lobbyists are trying to influence, and whether lobbyists itemize their expenses.

Lobbying is overseen in Wisconsin by the Government Accountability Board. Matt Rothschild, executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, noted the board has already garnered favorable attention in the past for administering elections.

“I think we need to defend the Government Accountability Board and recognize that it’s a treasure, actually,” said Rothschild.

Republican leaders have indicated they want to swap retired judges now on the board with lawmakers. Supporters of the board are concerned such a move would politicize the independent, nonpartisan board.

The Sunlight Foundation said its transparency report is “a review of legislative requirements for and practical implementation of lobbyist disclosure, not an assessment of the quality of the data’s openness.” The group said an analysis of how well states provide lobbyist disclosure information to the public is forthcoming.