$1M lobbying effort helped kill bills insurers feared

ST. PAUL (AP) An insurance industry-financed group that didn't even exist until the final weeks of the Legislature's session plowed just shy of one (M) million dollars into an aggressive lobbying campaign.

For the upstart group, it turned out to be money well spent.

Lawmakers went home without making it easier for consumers to sue insurance companies they feel wronged by.

Newly filed reports with state regulators put Minnesotans Against Fraud and Higher Insurance Costs in the top ranks of lobbying groups. Only the state teachers union education Minnesota spent more.

Other big-ticket topics included an anti-smoking campaign and a push for more road construction dollars.

On the Net: Reports for other lobbyists can be found at http://www.cfboard.state.mn.us (Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 06-19-07 1711CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list