State ethics laws forbid lobbyists from buying a Kentucky legislator anything — even a simple cup of coffee.
But there’s a workaround: Invite the entire legislature, or one of its many groups, and they’re free to wine and dine members with the hope of influencing the policies they pursue.
There’s no limit to what companies and advocacy groups can spend on these events in their efforts to sway lawmakers.
And spend they do.
Elaborate receptions, quick sandwich get-togethers for lunch, Chik-Fil-A breakfast biscuit buffets or even a few rounds of booze — these events help define the rhythms of Frankfort before, during, and after legislators deliberate on bills that could affect Kentucky’s 4.5 million residents.
These events had a total reported pricetag of $484,000 throughout 2024, according to records obtained by the Herald-Leader from the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission.
That marked a 160% increase from the pre-pandemic norm.
Their prevalence is raising alarm among some political observers and Democrats who see a legislature more oriented toward the interests of who can pay a top lobbyist or host an expensive reception.
“It’s obscene. It buys access to legislators, basically,” said Rep. Mary Lou Marzian. “Regular people can’t come to a Frankfort party, or invite you to dinner, or get you a snack, or drink and talk to you about their bill.”
Read the rest at the Herald-Leader.
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